Whose Child Belongs to the Emperor - Chapter 7 - Part 1 (Volume 3 - Prologue)

WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD, PLEASE READ FIRST THE PREVIOUS VOLUME BEFORE READING THIS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

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Volume 3 

Hans, a young man born and raised in a small village in the north, was at an inn in Ferdan.

The Emperor had ordered him to fetch the Empress’s horse, James.

Dealing with James, who already had a foul temperament, was difficult enough.

Whether a good-looking horse adds value to its appearance, James behaved like a superior even after visiting Hans’s house.

He didn’t even glance at the food Hans provided, and when trying to take him for a walk to get some fresh air, James resisted fiercely, pulling on the reins.

Not only did he refuse to give Hans a ride, but he also seemed angry about his master leaving.

“Did the Empress really ride that horse?”

The officer who came to bring Hans looked at James, who was not easy to deal with, and shook his head.

Hans quickly nodded his head.

“Oh, yes. Even though it looks like that, Tasha… No, Her Majesty, don’t joke around. Her gaze changes.”

“Really.”

“Just the fact that he’s giving her a ride is a miracle. He was so unruly when getting close, but now that he’s going to her, he becomes calm; maybe this is not a real horse.”

Seeing James, who usually doesn’t listen, the officer shook his head.

Hans, who had been afraid of the term “imperial officer,” was quite nonchalant.

The officer, now a young man in his early twenties, smiled low and rose from his seat.

“I’ll go wash my hands.”

“Yes? Oh, yes.”

It was soon time for the meal. The people of the capital really value cleanliness; they make sure to wash their hands before the meal.

‘Tasha and El did the same….’

He thought it was unusual, but I couldn’t believe they were the Empress and Marquise.

‘I wouldn’t have even looked if I had known earlier.’

Hans couldn’t help but feel uneasy that he had been flirting with the Empress when he thought she was just an ordinary widow.

In case he might offend the Emperor, he should just hand James over and return without even making eye contact.

As he was making up his mind, a cheerful sound rang out. And a rumbling noise followed. Hans raised his head.

A group of hunters entered through the entrance.

Dressed in thick fur coats, they all had soft, wheat-colored hair and were too small to be hunters.

“We want to sell some goods.”

As a middle-aged woman spoke, the others brought a cart loaded with goods. The inn floor became dirty with mud, but no one paid it any attention.

The owner’s eyes widened.

“Did all of you personally catch these?”

“We’re busy, so let’s talk about the price first.”

The woman’s voice was cold. It seemed like she had somewhere urgent to go.

“Hey, Tasha, don’t be like that. It’s not that urgent.”

‘Tasha?’

Hans perked up at the familiar name. However, the owner of that name was not someone he knew, but a middle-aged woman.

‘Strange.’

Hans looked towards the counter. However, the moment the waiter brought the food, he picked up his fork, losing interest.