Chapter 93

93. “Look Only at Me”

Elkius Isulandt bit his lower lip hard. The taste of salty blood filled his mouth. After a long moment of silently gnawing on his lip, he finally raised his head.

“What kind of nonsense is this?”

His bloodshot eyes glared at Duke Howard with murderous intent. Duke Howard, representing the Imperial Council, responded calmly.

“This is a method to dispel the rumors circulating and restore Your Majesty’s authority. Reveal the four pieces of Regalia you possess as soon as possible.”

Elkius’s hand trembled as he gripped the petition. Unable to contain his anger, he crumpled the paper.

“And if I refuse?”

“The Imperial Council will have to open the treasury and verify it themselves.”

“Ha.”

“I, too, hope it doesn’t come to such an unpleasant situation, Your Majesty,”

Duke Howard added dryly. Elkius, his fury boiling over, threw the crumpled petition away.

This was their plan all along. The temple and the Imperial Council were in league with Callion to undermine his authority and usurp the throne.

Elkius asked sharply, “Are you threatening me?”

“As a member of the royal family, I offer this advice to restore the fallen honor of Your Majesty.”

“Duke Howard!”

“Reveal the Regalia.”

“Damn it! You know I don’t have the Regalia!”

Elkius shouted, standing up so abruptly that his chair toppled over. His threatening posture suggested he might grab Duke Howard by the collar, but the Duke didn’t flinch.

“Then can we make that fact public?”

The harsh sound of his breathing filled the silence.

He’s a tough opponent. Privately, he’s his sister’s husband; publicly, he’s the interim head of the Imperial Council, and any rash actions against him would invite retaliation. Plus, the Howard family’s wealth and military power were considerable. Elkius decided to change tactics.

“What does a mere sword matter so much? I never saw the late Emperor bring it out in public.”

“The late Emperor could afford that, but it’s different for Your Majesty.”

“You…”

Elkius’s eyes spat curses he couldn’t utter aloud.

“How am I to know that the late Emperor gave the Regalia away as a private gift?”

“It wasn’t a private gift. When the late Emperor gave the Regalia to Duke Tiflis, the Duke was the Crown Prince.”

Though he didn’t explicitly mention it, Duke Howard was openly accusing Elkius of usurping the throne. Duke Howard stared unflinchingly at the Emperor’s flushed face and continued without hesitation.

“The trial of Cardinal Orland has reignited debates about Your Majesty’s legitimacy. With the people in turmoil, the entire empire could be shaken if this isn’t quelled immediately.”

“And?”

“If you cannot reveal the Regalia, appoint a successor.”

“A successor?”

Elkius’s eyes narrowed. Before he could guess Duke Howard’s intention, the Duke spoke directly.

“Appoint Duke Tiflis as the heir to the throne.”

“……!”

“Your Majesty has no direct heir, so there’s sufficient justification. By appointing Duke Tiflis, you can solidify the royal authority and ensure stability.”

“Duke Howard, are you in your right mind?”

“The Duke is highly respected. If he were to have a son, his position would become even more secure. Use Duke Tiflis. It’s the only way to restore the dignity of the royal family.”

“How can you, the Duke, do this to me?”

His voice was harsh and cracked, sounding almost metallic. With each word, something seemed to rise in his throat.

“As my sister’s husband, shouldn’t you be on my side?”

“Your Majesty, it’s because you are my wife’s brother that I’m stopping at this.”

Duke Howard’s voice was icy. The palpable hostility felt like a noose tightening around Elkius’s neck. After a moment of silence, Elkius spoke with difficulty.

“Do you still suspect me over Roland’s incident?”

“When Roland fell off the cliff, the only one there was Your Majesty. Only you know what happened that day.”

“I told you it was an unfortunate accident!”

“It must have been. I am still searching for my son.”

For a moment, a flicker of madness appeared in Duke Howard’s eyes. Elkius barely managed to close his trembling lips. The Duke continued calmly.

“And even without Roland’s incident, Your Majesty lacks the ability to bear the weight of the crown.”

“……”

“Decide before it’s too late.”

After giving his warning, Duke Howard respectfully bowed and left the audience chamber. Elkius stared blankly at the closed door before suddenly sweeping everything off his desk.

“Argh!”

With a crash, the sound of breaking objects mingled with a hysterical scream. Elkius pounded his fists on the disheveled desk like a madman.

“Elki!”

A woman who had been hiding behind the audience chamber ran out at the sound of the scream. Seeing blood flowing from his torn hand, Rosaline tried to stop him, her eyes wide with shock.

“Elki, calm down! If you keep this up… Ah!”

When she grabbed his arm to restrain him, Elkius roughly shoved her away. She stumbled, hitting her side against the desk and falling to the floor.

“Ugh…”

Clutching her side in pain, Rosaline moaned. Elkius, having thrown everything off the desk, sank to the floor, covering his face with both hands.

Rosaline slowly got up and lit a censer. Thin smoke rose as the dry leaves burned.

Rosaline Harper, observing Elkius’s demeanor, cautiously embraced him, gently stroking his back.

“It’s alright, Elki. It’s alright.”

Elkius, with his head buried in her chest, let out a groan. Rosaline cupped his cold cheeks with her hands.

“Elki.”

“……”

Looking into his unfocused eyes, Rosaline slowly pressed her lips to his. Blood reappeared on the lips that had only just healed. She wiped the blood with her fingers and whispered tenderly.

“Don’t worry. I’m here. Look only at me. I’ll always be by your side.”

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

“Is it alright if I stay here?”

At Adelaide’s question, Callion, holding a wooden sword, gave a faint smile.

“If you’re cold, you can go inside first.”

“I’m not cold, but I’m worried I might disturb your training.”

When Adelaide gestured towards the well-maintained wooden sword, Callion squinted slightly.

“I’ve always wanted to say this: It’s a bad habit to unnecessarily belittle yourself.”

Callion took off his outer garment and draped it over her shoulders, adding,

“I don’t know why you think you’d be a disturbance, but I prefer having you nearby. But if you’re cold, you can go inside.”

“Then I’ll stay here.”

Adelaide answered, pulling Callion’s coat tighter around her. He called out to Margaret with a soft frown.

“Fetch a thick blanket and some hot tea. Make sure the Duchess is taken care of properly; her health is delicate.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

‘…Why not just tell me to go inside?’

Adelaide watched Callion head towards the courtyard with a smile. It had been a long time since she had seen him wield a sword, even if it was just a wooden one.

Since arriving in the capital, Callion has avoided drawing his sword even within their mansion. He had neither the time for training nor the luxury of risking any controversy. But now.

‘There’s no need to be so cautious anymore.’

The Imperial Council was openly pressuring the Emperor, and Elkius’s suspicions had surely solidified, so there was no longer a need to hold back.

‘Though the eerie silence from the palace is unsettling.’

Adelaide propped her chin on her hand, watching Callion. He took a deep breath, then began swinging his sword without any preparatory movements.

His swift and precise motions were almost too fast to follow with the eye. Just as she was admiring the graceful, almost dance-like movements, someone placed a hand on her shoulder.

“You’ll catch a cold.”

“Sir Lucid?”

Lucid appeared from nowhere, draping a large blanket over her like a cloak. Next to him stood Margaret and Zatia, each holding a brazier and a tray.

“It seemed like there weren’t enough maidservants, so I, being the busy man that I am, decided to come along.”

Lucid winked playfully, causing Adelaide to laugh and offer him a seat.

“It’s an honor. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t think I can.”

“Why not?”

Lucid leaned in and whispered theatrically in her ear.

“If I sit next to Her Grace, I might end up being His Grace’s sparring partner.”

With a playful look, Lucid glanced sideways at Callion, who was staring at them with sharp eyes, his sword lowered.

“He may not seem like it, but he’s quite jealous.”

“Lucid! If you’re free, come and spar with me.”

“Oh dear, I’d better go before I get caught.”

Lucid made a quick exit, leaving Adelaide laughing in astonishment. Callion set down his sword and approached her.

“Are you going to flirt with other men right in front of me?”

“Flirting? I was just thanking him for bringing me the blanket.”

“I’ll confirm with Lucid whether that’s true or not.”

“Feel free.”

Callion looked at her skeptically, then, in a playful gesture, pulled the blanket over her head.

“Your Grace!”

“Don’t get distracted, and look only at me.”