Chapter 32

With Evan’s appearance, the atmosphere in the garden changed. Kahil’s attendants, who recognized Evan, were shaken, while Sophia quietly observed from behind. Among them, Kahil was the only one who didn’t recognize Evan, tilting his head in confusion.

“Huh, what? Who’s that?”

“…….”

“Are you my fan too?”

At Kahil’s words to Evan, one attendant hurriedly whispered to him.

“Your Highness, we showed you his portrait. This is His Majesty, Emperor Evan Alleon.”

“Oh, right. I remember now.”

Finally recognizing Evan, Kahil greeted him.

“Hello, Your Majesty. I am Grand Duke Kahil Karbel. Our fathers knew each other, but this is the first time for us, right? It’s my first time meeting a cousin too. Nice to meet you.”

Even in front of Evan, Kahil’s casual manner left his attendants with resigned expressions. Diana, too, had given up on trying to control the situation. Sophia, meanwhile, shook with laughter behind her fan.

“…….”

At Kahil’s greeting, Evan remained silent with a cold expression, then turned to Diana.

“Why was your wrist grabbed?”

“Oh, that’s…”

Just as Diana was about to explain, Kahil cut in.

“Oh, Your Majesty, have you read my book?”

“…….”

“Diana here is my fan, you see. So, could I talk with her in the reception room?”

The atmosphere grew even colder at Kahil’s words, and Diana shook her head at Evan’s clearly displeased state.

Just stay calm, please…!

No matter how lightly Kahil acted, if Evan responded emotionally, things could escalate. Perhaps sensing Diana’s concern, Evan did nothing more, simply turning his body to block the space between Kahil and Diana.

“The aide will not come to the reception room.”

“Excuse me?”

“Only us will be at the reception room, Grand Duke.”

Evan’s words were serious, and Diana watched his back with a worried look. Kahil, on the other hand, was brimming with confidence.

“Oh, I see. So Your Majesty, you are also my fan?”

“…….”

“Well, can’t be helped. You’re the higher authority. I’ll see you first, Your Majesty, and meet with Diana later.”

To be able to say such things in this situation was a talent of its own. Diana closed her eyes tightly, thinking maybe it was better for her mental health not to see any more of this.

“Oh, but what about the lady here? Did you say you’re my fan too? Would you like to talk about my book with me?”

It seemed Kahil considered everyone in the capital his fan. When he asked, Sophia finally showed her face from behind her fan.

“Oh my, thank you for your attention, but I’m fine. Just getting to know you is enough for me, Your Highness.”

As she spoke, Sophia’s gaze shifted to Evan.

“And Your Majesty. This is wonderful for you. You get to meet such a good cousin and have a friendly chat. I’m not close with my cousins, so I’m really envious.”

Sophia’s face brightened as she expressed her envy.

“I hope you’ll form a great connection here in the capital, Your Highness. I’m truly cheering for your engagement with Lady Irene. Please do your best.”

“Oh, thanks! You’re a wonderful lady. What’s your name?”

“I am Sophia Christine of the Christine Marquisate, Your Highness.”

“Christine? That sounds familiar. I’m not good at remembering names, but I’ll try to remember yours and Diana’s especially.”

“That would be an honor.”

While Sophia’s face was bright, Evan’s was not. As the situation worsened, Diana tried to salvage it.

“You two should head to the reception room. It’s time for your appointment.”

“Oh, right. See you later, Diana!”

Kahil alone remained cheerful. Diana gently nudged Evan’s back and whispered.

“Your Majesty, I know you’re confused, but it’s best to take him away now. I’ll handle things here.”

If the Emperor and Grand Duke stood together, they’d draw attention. It was better to take them somewhere private quickly.

“Go on, please.”

“Are you really a Grand Duke fan?”

“Pardon?”

“And why does the Grand Duke call you Diana?”

“I’ll explain later. For now, please go.”

Please, just go.

Only at Diana’s urging did Evan finally move, though he still looked displeased. Kahil’s attendants hurried to take him away, and after the commotion, only Diana and Sophia were left in the garden.

“…….”

Now that everyone was gone, Diana stood blankly for a moment before speaking.

“…What just happened?”

“Hmm, something incredible just passed by.”

Unlike the confused Diana, Sophia looked thoroughly entertained.

“We got to see that Grand Duke Kahil is nothing like the rumors.”

“So, it wasn’t a dream after all.”

That lightheartedness, so different from his serious looks—no one would believe it if she told them.

“Yeah, I was more surprised than I imagined.”

“Right. He was even more of a fool than I expected.”

“Hey, he’s a Grand Duke, ‘fool’ seems a bit much.”

“Then what should I call him?”

“Well, um….”

After thinking for a while, Diana couldn’t answer. Honestly, she couldn’t think of a word that described Kahil more simply and accurately than “fool.”

“…Anyway, it’ll be fine, right? Leaving His Majesty alone with him?”

“He’s not going to kill him, is he?”

“No, please. Don’t make me imagine something so horrible.”

Sophia smiled sweetly, unconcerned with Diana’s worries.

“In this situation, the Grand Duke’s foolishness might actually help. The Emperor couldn’t have expected him to be this much of a fool.”

“True, no one could have predicted that.”

“So when he saw your wrist being grabbed, he probably didn’t know how to react?”

At Sophia’s words, Diana realized she’d forgotten Kahil had grabbed her wrist. She rotated her wrist, remembering how Kahil had held it.

“Right. I was so shocked by Grand Duke Kahil that I forgot he was holding my wrist.”

Her wrist didn’t hurt, but she hadn’t expected Kahil to be so forward. Of course, it was all because of that book.

“Anyway, the Grand Duke in the book and in real life are totally different.”

“Yeah, but… you look really happy.”

“Oh my, is it that obvious?”

Sophia didn’t bother hiding her amusement, smiling brightly.

“Really. I’ve been avoiding the palace because of annoying rumors, but this is so much fun. I’ll have to visit more often.”

“Please, go easy on His Majesty. He must be so shocked.”

When Sophia tried not to laugh at Kahil, Diana had already anticipated this situation. Diana also thought of another lady who would become Sophia’s next target.

“So, will you do this to Lady Irene too?”

“That’s right. And Lady Irene’s not in the capital right now.”

“What? Why?”

“I heard she went out of town to get a gift for the Grand Duke. So she’s probably never seen him, and will come to give him the present.”

“You never know. The Duke might have already told her. They lived together, so now she must know everything about the Grand Duke.”

For a moment, Diana felt a pang of sympathy for Arthur. He was probably the most heartbroken of all.

“Anyway, I doubt the Duke explained everything to his daughter, and even if he did, she wouldn’t believe it. Who would believe Grand Duke Kahil is a fool?”

“True, even seeing him with my own eyes, I’m still dazed.”

“Right. Isn’t that what makes it so entertaining?”

“…….”

Watching Sophia’s smiling eyes, Diana resolved once again not to break off their friendship. At the same time, she nervously looked toward the reception room, wondering what kind of conversation Kahil and Evan—two men on the edge for very different reasons—might have.