Chapter 28

After rummaging through his memories for a while, Chase gave up trying to pinpoint the exact moment he had started liking Sabrina.  

The reason was simple. He liked everything about her.  

Her diligence, always staying the latest and working several times harder than others.  

Her wisdom, proving herself through quiet determination even when faced with unfairness.  

‘Come to think of it, she was different from the start.’  

From their very first meeting during the interview, her presence had been striking. Just exchanging a few words had made the other candidates fade into the background.  

When someone’s words and actions linger in your mind, when their every move draws your attention, what else could it be but liking them?  

Now that he had recognized this, he found it absurd that he hadn’t noticed his feelings before.  

His heart thudded wildly as Chase clenched his teeth. It felt ridiculous, as if his heart might leap out of his chest.  

Elated one moment, scared the next, then excited again, only to feel deeply melancholic.  

As Chase quietly examined his feelings, a realistic worry suddenly popped into his mind.  

“Elena Evenheim.”  

Chase sat up abruptly.  

“For a while, I’ll have to act as if we’re lovers. And we even have an engagement tomorrow.”  

It was just a pretense, a play at being close. But he didn’t want Sabrina to misunderstand.  

At the same time, he couldn’t break the promise of secrecy he had made. Chase fell into deep thought.  

‘What should I do…?’  

***

“I’ll just have tea with her.” 

Huh? All of a sudden?  

Sabrina’s eyes widened at Chase’s unexpected remark.  

“I’ll be with Clayton, and we’ll just chat. I should be back before dinner.”  

Wearing a light cape, Chase turned to Sabrina as he spoke.  

When he mentioned meeting Elena after a long time, Sabrina readily nodded. She had been wondering why the two hadn’t met recently.  

Sabrina smiled brightly and replied.  

“You don’t have to rush. Have a good time with Lady Evenheim. You’ve worked so hard lately.”  

She could understand if he took the whole day off. After all, they had been working so diligently that there wasn’t much backlog.  

But for some reason, Chase shook his head immediately at her words.  

“No. I’ll come back as soon as I can.”  

Though puzzled, Sabrina nodded.  

“Alright, I’ll keep that in mind.”  

“I’ll only discuss what’s necessary. Really. I’ll just sit there and come back.”  

“Huh? Yes, I understand.”  

Chase’s insistence that he would only talk and return made him seem suspicious, as if he were planning something he absolutely didn’t want to get caught doing.  

‘Is he feeling guilty for no reason? I didn’t even say anything.’  

Thinking that, Sabrina found Chase a bit endearing.  

Well, it made sense. Even if he knew a lot about women, Elena was his first real relationship.  

From the time Chase hit puberty, the tabloids had been filled with rumors about him and various young ladies. Public interest in him had always been excessive.  

It was understandable. A Crown Prince with sculpted looks. His very existence was endlessly fascinating. It was only natural for people to wonder who he would meet and which beautiful lady he would fall in love with.  

‘Still, making up baseless stories is problematic. Elena might misunderstand.’  

Before she got to know Chase personally, Sabrina had also harbored a few misconceptions about him.  

But having observed him closely as his aide, she realized he had never pursued a romantic relationship with anyone. Not even a casual flirtation.  

Of course, he was immensely popular. Every time a banquet was held at the Imperial Palace, young ladies would flock around him like clouds, eager to exchange even a word with him.  

But that was all. Chase was kind to everyone, but only to a certain point. Sabrina had seen him countless times erecting walls with his perfectly crafted smile.  

‘He seemed so experienced… but I guess no one stands a chance when it comes to love.’  

Sabrina allowed herself a faint smile.  

Just then, Chase spoke.  

“Do you have a lot to do today?”  

“No, nothing in particular.”  

“Then can you take some time to rest today, too?”  

Sabrina nodded.  

“Just a little. Ah, I’m having a meal with Lord Aaron later—it’s been a while.”  

“Aaron? Send him my regards. It would be nice for the three of us to dine together next time.”  

“Of course. I’ll pass on your message.”  

Knock, knock.  

There was a knock at the door. It seemed Clayton had come to fetch Chase.  

Before opening the door, Chase hesitated for a moment and turned slightly. Speaking in a voice a little softer than usual, he said,  

“I’ll be back.”  

His bright golden eyes met Sabrina’s gaze. His lips moved as if he had something to say, but in the end, he only offered a faint smile.  

“See you later.”  

***

What was that?

What had just happened?  

Sabrina sat at the dining table, deep in thought. Her mind was entirely occupied with her one and only superior, Chase.  

‘Something was different about him, for sure.’  

It was hard to pinpoint exactly, but Chase’s expression seemed different today. Even though he smiled, made eye contact, and conversed as usual, her impression of him felt oddly distinct.  

‘It seemed like he wanted to say something.’  

A deep, resonant voice interrupted her thoughts from behind.  

“What’s got you thinking so deeply? You didn’t even notice I was here.”  

“Lord Aaron!”  

Sabrina greeted him brightly. It was her first time seeing him since he had passed on the role of Chief Aide to her and retired to his estate, making the reunion all the more delightful.  

“Apologies, I didn’t realize you had arrived.”  

“You look like you’ve lost weight. Have you been working too hard?”  

“It’s been tough… How did you manage it for so long?”  

“I didn’t leave without looking back for no reason. It’s your turn now. You endure each day like walking a tightrope, find a capable successor like I did, and pass the burden on.”  

Sabrina and Aaron began sharing a meal and talking. Their conversation flowed easily as they discussed work-related concerns and advice.  

“Still, the satisfaction of fulfilling my responsibilities is unmatched. It’s not about the honor or wealth people think of. It’s the sense of duty, the fulfillment. Those values are what keep you going in that position.”  

“You’re absolutely right.”  

Sabrina nodded. Meeting a mentor she could lean on after so long made her feel considerably lighter.  

Aaron took a sip of water before speaking again.  

“By the way, I heard a rumor.”  

“A rumor?”  

Aaron nodded.  

“I heard His Majesty has been seeing someone romantically.”  

At his words, Sabrina’s eyes widened.  

“Where did you hear that?”  

“Does that mean it’s true?”  

Aaron read affirmation in the brief silence and leaned back in his chair, muttering.  

“Well, I must have lived a long time. To think I’d witness His Majesty in a romantic relationship.”  

Having watched Chase closely since the day he was born, Aaron seemed particularly moved. Chuckling, he added,  

“The press hasn’t caught wind of it yet, but it’s only a matter of time. It seems the nobles are already whispering about it.”  

Sabrina nodded.  

“I see. We’ll need to prepare for that on our side as well. I’ll get started as soon as I return.”  

“It’s a bit curious, though.”  

Aaron stroked his beard as he mused.  

“I’ve never seen rumors spread so slowly among the nobility before.”  

“Hm.”  

“The person in question… is it Lady Evenheim?”  

“Yes, that’s correct.”  

At Sabrina’s answer, Aaron nodded.  

“An unexpected pairing. I would’ve thought it’d be someone else…”  

Aaron glanced at Sabrina as he trailed off. After a brief pause, he resumed speaking.  

“It seems the Ducal House of Evenheim is trying to manage the rumors.”  

Sabrina tilted her head in thought at his remark.  

“But why would they want to suppress the rumors? If it were another family, they’d probably try to cement the connection further. After all, there’s no better match for His Majesty in the Empire.”  

Aaron chuckled softly at her confident statement.  

“True. But the current Duke of Evenheim is a hard man to read.”  

“Oh…”  

What kind of person was the Duke of Evenheim again?  

Sabrina racked her brain for details from the original story but could only recall that he was Elena’s uncle.  

‘He wasn’t a major character in the original story, so he probably isn’t that important.’  

Aaron, who had been observing her, offered a word of comfort.  

“You must be having a hard time too. I imagine your workload has increased.”  

“His Majesty is so passionate about state affairs.”  

Aaron raised an eyebrow at her response.  

“His Majesty is?”  

“Yes. And he’s also very receptive to the aides’ opinions. It was tough adjusting to the new patterns at first, but now everything’s going smoothly.”  

“He’s receptive to the aides’ opinions?”  

Aaron burst into hearty laughter.  

“Haha! It seems I chose the right person. His Majesty has met his match.”  

Shaking his head with amusement, Aaron continued.  

“His Majesty seems particularly lenient with you.”  

“With me?”  

“Don’t you feel it?”  

Did I? 

Sabrina tilted her head slightly.  

“I’m not sure…”  

Aaron nodded knowingly.  

“His Majesty has always been exceptionally firm in his convictions. If he feels something lacks sufficient justification, he won’t follow it, even if it’s advice from a Master.”  

“…”  

“He may seem gentle and approachable, but in truth, he’s stronger and more resolute than the late Emperor.”  

Aaron’s almond-shaped eyes fixed on Sabrina.  

“If you haven’t felt His Majesty’s sharp side, I think there are only two possible reasons.”  

“Two reasons?”  

Aaron held up one finger.  

“Either every request you’ve made has been so logically flawless that His Majesty couldn’t find fault with them.”  

He raised a second finger.  

“Or His Majesty is applying a softer standard to your word.”