What? Did I just hear wrong? I pulled my upper body forward as if to jump out.
"Did you just say slave?"
My eyes widened in shock. I stopped, having taken a deep breath without realizing it.
"I thought the slave system had disappeared. Was I wrong?"
"No, it's true that it has disappeared."
"That's one of the most serious issues dealt with under the imperial law."
"Yes."
At the same time as Terdeo's agreement, I couldn't help but burst out in disbelief.
"Yet, how dare you ask me to catch a slave. What kind of crazy person are you?"
It was as good as openly saying, 'I broke the imperial law, so please arrest me.' How could such a fool exist?
"It doesn't matter who it is."
"To me, that's the most important thing."
"The fact that I almost took on this task is what matters."
"…What?"
What does that mean? No matter how much I racked my brain, I couldn't understand. Even if they were from the defeated kingdom, they are now imperial citizens, right?
"People from the defeated kingdom do not receive the protection of the imperial law."
I was taken aback.
"The emperor did not break the imperial law. They are people who do not receive the protection of the imperial law."
"But, but I remember hearing the emperor read out that they should have pride as imperial citizens!"
"That was just words."
"…!"
"It wasn't a pledge or an oath. Not even a vow made before the citizens of the Caster Empire."
Terdeo's red eyes flashed like a predator's.
"He just throws sweet words to the people of the defeated kingdom to prevent riots. They think they've found a place to stay, but that's not the case."
"But, if others find out, it will surely…."
Terdeo shook his head slightly.
"The ones who open the slave market are imperial citizens. And the ones who buy the slaves are also imperial citizens."
"…Why? Didn't you want to abolish the slave system more than anyone?"
Terdeo closed his lips with a complicated expression. But soon he brought up the cruel reality.
"They say it's fine as long as it's not me. Moreover, they claim that treating people from the defeated kingdom the same is unfair."
How could that be? Seeing my shock, Terdeo laughed weakly.
"So the emperor can pretend not to know and be at ease."
"…."
"Anyway, I left my work halfway today and came here to check on you, so you'll be on leave for a while."
Terdeo shook his head lightly, as if trying to erase bad memories.
"So it's not something I need to worry about. I'm already busy chasing the rebels."
His expression looked somewhat strained. Without realizing it, I reached out to comfort Terdeo. Then, his large hand came and grabbed mine.
"Don't worry."
"Terdeo, no… Theodor."
"I'm used to it."
Even as he said that, Terdeo clung to my hand as if seeking support. The strength in our clasped hands increased. We stared at each other silently, our gazes entwined in the air, pulling us closer. His upper body slowly leaned towards me. I could see him approaching, but strangely, I didn't think to back away.
Just then. Knock knock. As Terdeo got close, a knock came from the bedroom door.
"Her Highness, I've brought a light meal and some medicine."
Rebecca's choked voice came from the other side of the door. Hearing her voice, I snapped back to reality. His eyes, which were close to mine, were filled with a red heat. His red eyes seemed even redder than usual. I swallowed hard, almost mesmerized. Knock knock.
"…Her Highness?"
Staring blankly at Terdeo, I heard Rebecca's call again. Only then did Terdeo turn his gaze. He let go of my hand as if nothing had happened and moved away.
'What just happened?'
My heart, which had stopped, started beating wildly. It was an unbearable pace.
'Is my heart going crazy?'
I pressed my fist against my heart. It felt like it might jump out if I didn't.
"…It seems your maid has come to see you."
Terdeo, who had moved away, muttered softly. I strongly felt that we shouldn't be left alone together. Sensing the danger, I nodded hurriedly to indicate that it was okay to open the door. Then, Terdeo, whose ears were slightly red, opened the door slowly with a regretful look.
"Her, Her Highness."
Rebecca entered the room. Her eyes were brimming with tears.
"Rebecca, why do you always look so sad?"
Rebecca slowly approached, set down the tray, and rubbed her red eyes.
"I was so shocked when I heard the news. I was worried that Her Highness might have… been hurt…"
"Enough."
Terdeo, standing behind her, cut her off with a displeased look.
"Have you never been taught to be careful with your words? Or did you wish for Her Highness to be in such a situation?"
Terdeo looked down at Rebecca with eyes as cold as a winter mountain. Her face instantly turned pale.
"N-no! I was really worried about Her Highness…!"
"If that's the case, don't even think of saying such ominous things. It makes me feel bad."
Rebecca, who suddenly faced Terdeo's sharp gaze, trembled. Even seasoned generals who had been through countless battles would be intimidated.
"I heard that Adelphus was involved in accidents and incidents while studying abroad… and that many noblewomen approached him. So I heard that malicious nobles often tried to kill Adelphus by disguising it as an accident…."
Rebecca blurted out her words.
"That's why I was worried… even though you said nothing happened when you came back… I was afraid something might have happened… sob."
Rebecca's body shook, and she finally shed tears. Large, pearl-like tears rolled down her cheeks.
'He was known as a troublemaker abroad, right?'
If he didn't refuse the noblewomen who approached him….
'He would have no one to blame if he got stabbed while walking by.'
Thinking of Adelphus, I suddenly remembered that I hadn't heard the answer to my last question. I had forgotten that I didn't hear the answer due to the chaos.
'Especially since the explosion happened right after I asked the question.'
I need to hear the answer to that question once I recover. I made a mental note and stopped Terdeo, who still had a murderous look on his face.
"Theo, that's enough. Stop it."
Terdeo clicked his tongue and released the sword he was holding. I turned to look at Rebecca, who was still trembling.
"It wasn't related to Adelphus. It was really just an accident."
"Ah…!"
Rebecca covered her mouth with both hands and collapsed. Tears streamed down her face in relief.
"Thank goodness! Thank goodness, really…! Thank goodness, Her Highness… sob."
"Right."
I approached and slowly patted Rebecca's back.
"Rebecca."
"Sob, y-yes, yes!"
"I make you cry every time."
"N-no, that's not true…."
"Are your family members well?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Rebecca lifted her head. Tears flowed endlessly from her bewildered eyes.
"What… Why are you asking about my family all of a sudden…."
"I'll give you a leave. Since you were so shocked, spend some time with your family."
"I'm fine. I want to stay by Her Highness's side…."
"Theo, tell the butler to prepare a carriage for Rebecca."
Terdeo agreed and left the bedroom. I continued to pat Rebecca's back slowly.
"You're worried about me."
"Her, Her Highness."
"I'm really fine, so take a break, Rebecca."
With no choice, Rebecca left for her home the next day on leave.