Chapter 14 – Part 7

“…What do you want?”

Ailon, sensing the implication that Anne could help him be acquitted, asked.

Anne hesitated for a moment but then spoke with determination.

“Whatever happens, I hope you will stand by the commander’s side.”

This was certainly a gamble. After all, Ailon was the emperor’s blood.

But he was different from his father.

He was more human than anyone in his ability to love and yearn.

Ailon wasn’t surprised, as if he had expected Anne’s answer.

Leaning back against the headboard, he sighed softly.

“Well. I could stand by his side, but would it matter? Given my current situation.”

For a former crown prince to be reinstated and become emperor was a rare event in the long history of Terossa.

But Anne had her own thoughts.

“…Don’t you think an opportunity will come?”

Anne recalled the numerous skin spots she had seen on the emperor’s hands.

If her suspicions were correct…

This man would have his chance too.

It seemed wise to bring Ailon over to Evan’s side in preparation for that time.

Evan had plans to leave Terossa if things went wrong.

But Anne had scoffed at that idea.

‘Who wants to live in a foreign land?’

Given that they had been close as children, it seemed beneficial for both Evan and Ailon to quickly rekindle their relationship and establish a politically friendly connection.

“Well, now I’d rather avoid any opportunity even if it comes.”

“…”

Anne was at a loss for words, faced with an unexpected answer.

She had assumed any royal would naturally want to reach the pinnacle of Terossa. The emperor and empress acted as if they would die if they lost their positions.

“I’m not someone who can lead Terossa. To be honest, even the crown prince position… yes, it was a bit too much for me.”

“…”

“I’m actually more at peace now that I’m confined.”

Ailon watched Anne’s expression harden and chuckled.

Her thoughts were written all over her face.

‘How could we negotiate like this?’

“It seems you don’t like my attitude, Lady Vanessa.”

“…Even if the empress’s child is miscarried?”

“Yes.”

To buy some time to think, Anne dipped the washcloth back into the water. The cold sensation seeped into her hand.

Anne couldn’t hide her crestfallen expression.

Ailon, arms crossed, watched her quietly. Those green eyes. How could they be so similar?

‘The woman Duke Evan Davis cherishes so much…’

Judging by what he saw, it wasn’t just the duke’s one-sided feelings.

“Is your effort because of Duke Davis?”

“Yes.”

“What is it about him?”

“…”

“Let me warn you. In the Terossa Empire, those under the emperor’s foot, especially those near me and Duke Davis, are not safe.”

Anne looked at Ailon in confusion. Unlike before, there was a venomous gleam in his eyes.

“What do you mean…?”

“If he’s just a one-night affair as you said, it might be better to leave before your feelings deepen. With the emperor’s slightest move, you’re at risk of death… For your own precious life and the mental well-being of the duke you love so dearly. Wouldn’t it be better to live as strangers?”

A shadow fell over Ailon’s face as he spat out the harsh words.

Even in this moment, memories from that time resurfaced.

“I’ll always protect you, no matter what!”

It was as if he could hear the voice of a child, fists clenched, declaring bravely.

Ailon let out a sound that was part sigh, part laugh.

Who was trying to teach whom?

Having lost his loved one, his position, everything, Ailon himself was the most miserable person.

And yet, here he was, pretending to be magnanimous while cursing others. He felt utterly pathetic.

But Ailon couldn’t just stay silent.

Right now, Anne Vanessa was by the side of the person she loved, striving for him. She was rolling up her sleeves for a future where they could be happy together.

Didn’t she look just like him before he lost Aaron?

On Anne’s face, Ailon saw the reflection of a pitiful man who risked his life for unattainable love and impossible ideals.

Ailon’s laughter grew louder, and tears welled up in his eyes.

Anne looked at him, startled.

“Your Highness?”

“Oh, sorry. You’re still young, so, well, that can happen.”

The delusion that one could somehow manage without facing harsh reality.

Anne bit her lip and stared at Ailon.

‘Did he just mock me?’

A spark of anger flickered in Anne’s eyes.

There were people like this even back when she was Kang Ba-wool. People who, having failed themselves, believed everyone else would fail too.

They would shower passionate people with so-called advice, actually pouring out curses to make them feel small.

Eventually, these people would make others give up their dreams, and then offer false comfort, saying, “Yes, that was a wise decision. You have to face reality.”

Kang Ba-wool had given up on her dreams more than once because of such people. Seniors, professors—they were everywhere.

But Anne didn’t want to live like that. She would rather die.

Suddenly, Anne felt a sharp pain in her head. It was brief but intense, causing her to frown more. Yet, she didn’t avert her glare from Ailon.

A staring contest ensued between Anne sitting on a chair and Ailon sitting on the bed.

Finally, Anne spoke to Ailon, who had turned his head away.

“Your Highness, it seems you’re not quite yourself yet. Perhaps you should rest. Don’t worry, I’ll come back tomorrow.”

Anne slammed the window shut and placed the damp cloth on his forehead with a loud splat.

“What the…!”

“Your fever hasn’t gone down yet, so you need the wet cloth.”

Anne spoke primly and pressed Ailon’s shoulder as she added,

“And patients should be in bed.”

With that, Anne began drafting documents for the emperor at a desk in the corner of the room. The crown prince under a cold, damp cloth was none of her concern.

“Unbelievable.”

Ailon was too stunned to speak.

Oddly enough, though, he wasn’t angry. In fact, Anne’s straightforwardness was refreshing.

She wasn’t just cheerful; she was sharper than he had thought. She had a temper, too.

Ailon chuckled, then lay down as she suggested, soon falling asleep with soft, steady breaths.

Anne, who had been facing away from the bed, glanced back.

‘Was I too harsh?’

She felt a pang of guilt for placing a soaking cloth on a sick person.

‘No, no. This is part of the treatment!’

Shaking her head, Anne refocused on her paperwork.