Chapter 22

“I never expected you to come out and greet me like this. Did you know I was coming?”

“There was a presence, so I looked out the window and saw an unpleasant pink in my garden.”

Evan gestured to the group in black hoods standing behind Sophia.

“So, what are they?”

“Oh, just some staff from our family who help with various things.”

“They don’t look like ordinary sales staff.”

“Well, our family deals with a lot of money-related matters, so sometimes people run off with money or try to scam us. These are the staff who help out in those situations.”

Of course, calling them staff was a stretch, given their intimidating air. Evan continued,

“So, did you bring your diligent staff to sneak past the palace knights and attempt an assassination?”

“Oh my, would I really come to assassinate so carelessly? At least not today, so rest easy, Your Majesty.”

Sophia spoke brightly as she waved the group back. Now only Sophia and Evan remained.

“I just didn’t want people to see me with you in this situation, Your Majesty. That’s why I got help from the staff, so I could meet you alone. There’s something I wanted to ask.”

“…….”

“That rumor spreading throughout society right now. Of course, I hate even mentioning it, but you know it well, don’t you?”

“I do.”

“Honestly, it’s the most infuriating rumor I’ve ever heard. Diana gave me some advice—she told me to calm down and think rationally.”

Diana’s advice worked well for Sophia. In fact, it worked so well that things turned out differently than Diana had imagined.

“I thought it through calmly. Wondered who might have started the rumor. Then Diana told me that you didn’t seem bothered by it at all.”

“…….”

“And then I reached a truly dreadful conclusion. It shouldn’t be true and couldn’t be, but I need to ask so I can sleep tonight. So, did you spread the rumor, Your Majesty?”

Sophia’s lips were smiling, but her eyes weren’t. Her cold gaze pressed Evan for an answer, and Evan replied quickly.

“No.”

“…….”

“But I did hope it would happen.”

“What do you mean?”

“I figured the rumor would spread anyway, so I let it happen.”

Sophia organized her thoughts after hearing Evan’s answer.

“So, Your Majesty, you didn’t start the rumor, but you wanted people to believe we’re lovers?”

“Yes. I don’t know who spread it, and I doubt I ever will. There are plenty of people who could.”

“Oh my, and why did you want that rumor to spread? Don’t tell me you’ve suddenly fallen for me or something dreadful like that?”

The atmosphere grew more tense. This time, Evan asked the question.

“Which would you hate more—the rumor that you’re engaged to me, or Diana leaving for good?”

“Both are the worst.”

Sophia answered immediately, but paid close attention to Evan’s next words.

“Wait. Does that mean Diana is leaving somewhere?”

“She plans to retire and leave the capital. She’s thinking about marriage, too.”

“…….”

“If I find a new Empress, she’ll retire soon.”

“Oh, so you’re using me, is that it?”

A woman who would never become Empress, and one who could keep other ladies from coveting the position. That was Sophia.

“If rumors say we’re lovers, no other lady will try for the Empress’s throne?”

Normally, Sophia would have hated being used by Evan. But knowing Diana was involved softened her stance a little.

“Well, if that’s the case. I understand, Your Majesty. I fully support Diana retiring, but I’m not thrilled she’ll leave the capital, since I won’t be able to visit often.”

“…….”

“So, while buying some time, I’ll look for a way to keep Diana in the capital. Oh, and I’ll look for a man who suits her, too. Of course, no blond, red-eyed royals.”

Of course, Sophia knew Evan’s feelings for Diana. But she had no intention of matchmaking.

“Well, I’ve found out what I wanted, so I’ll take my leave, Your Majesty. I don’t want to be misunderstood by staying with you too long.”

“I agree. I don’t want my garden to get any dirtier.”

“Oh my. Then next time, I’ll visit your bedroom instead of your garden. Though I’ll send my staff, not myself.”

Sophia turned to leave, then looked back at Evan.

“My father has a promise with you, and Diana is involved, so I’ll let it go this time. But if you ever use me or my family like this again, I’ll do as I please.”

“Go ahead. Have you ever not done as you pleased?”

Tension hung between Evan and Sophia. Finally, Sophia smiled and disappeared into the group in black hoods.

“Well, it’s late. Have a nice nightmare, Your Majesty.”

“Mm. You too, Lady.”

A breeze passed through the garden. When Evan opened his eyes again, no one remained. Only a few petals drifted at his feet. Seeing the empty space, Evan turned back to his office.

*   *   *

Dian and Diana left the room and returned to the dining hall. Dian, still aware of his mistake, kept glancing at Diana as they walked.

“What, did you get into trouble again? If you did, just tell me. Don’t make me chase you down.”

“No. Really, no. I’ve just been at home. Actually, there’s something even bigger… Ah.”

“What? What is it? What did you do now?”

Diana reacted instantly to Dian’s hesitation, but Dian frantically waved his hands.

“No, no! It wasn’t me!”

“Then what is it? There’s something, isn’t there!”

“Well, I only found out after coming home… Actually, you should hear it from Mom and Dad. That’s better.”

“What is it? I’m getting anxious, just tell—”

But before Diana could finish, the dining room door opened. Inside were Sarah and Ben.

“Oh my, you two…!”

“…….”

“We were about to go looking for you since you hadn’t come, but you arrived just in time. Since we’re all here, let’s sit and talk for a while, okay?”

Sarah and Ben led Dian and Diana to the table. As Diana was dragged along by her parents, Dian’s comment weighed on her mind. If she was supposed to hear it from her parents, did that mean they’d done something? Diana sat down, her imagination running wild.

“Dian! How could you sleep so much when your sister came home?”

“If you’d told me Diana was coming, Dad, I wouldn’t have slept. If I’d known, I would’ve run away—well, not run away, but gotten ready to greet her.”

Dian quickly changed his tune under Diana’s fierce glare.

“I figured coming myself would be faster than replying to the letter. Aren’t you glad, brother? You get to see your beloved sister after so long.”

“Uh, yeah. Right.”

“Honestly, I have a lot to talk to you about. So, see me again in a bit, okay?”

Diana stared at Dian, determined to find out what he’d meant earlier. Dian, feeling the weight of her gaze, pretended to be busy cutting his food.

“Hm? It’s been a while? Dian, didn’t you say you were going to the capital before? Didn’t you stay at Diana’s house then?”

Sarah, listening to their conversation, asked curiously. Dian’s eyes darted nervously at her question.