The Solitude of an Emperor [TO BE UNPUBLISHED]

60 : Hopes Up

Darya and Desmonde are both preparing themselves for their trip. Darya was being groomed by the maids while Desmonde was being assisted by the butlers. They were only wearing simple garments as the maids packed extra clothes and many kinds of food. When it was the time for Theobarlt to pick her up, as soon as their eyes met upon opening the door, they burst out laughing at each other’s dark circles under their eyes.

“You look like an old man who’s stressed out for not winning a chess competition.” Darya laughed.

Desmonde could not retaliate and just shook his head. He walked closer to her to wrap his arm around her waist.

“But at least, this old man could not be beaten in swordsmanship.”

Darya chuckled as they started walking to leave. “You are not old by the way. You are twenty five.”

“Who said that I am an old man?”

“Me,” Darya chuckled. “It is just because you bawled your eyes out last night that you look like an old man for a second.”

He snickered, “Said by the one who had bigger dark circles.”

Darya laughed because it was the truth. “If my tears were to be measured, it could have overflowed a pail.”

They were just casually laughing while being watched by the maids and the knights behind them. When these two are together, they are always being fed with sugar. They could not help but question how they became so in love with each other. It is worth envy.

Meanwhile, the two of them stopped walking when Lorenzo came to their sight. He stopped in front of Darya to greet her. He put his hand over his temple when he faced General Theobarlt before looking at Darya. He lowered his head, “I was worried upon hearing about your state last night, Your Majesty. I would like to ask if you are alright?” Lorenzo looked into her eyes and immediately had a speculation about what happened.

Darya smiled and looked at his injured hand before looking back at his eyes. “I am currently feeling well. Is your hand alright now? Can you still manage to lift it up?”

“Yes. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I can now go back to my unit.”

Darya taps his shoulder. She is in a good mood today. “Good luck and rest if you feel like it is your limit.” 

“Yes.”

When he was left watching the Emperor and the General leave, he was again in daze. It was his first time to see the Emperor in such a good mood. She sounded so kind and caring. She sounded so sincere. Somehow, he feels good in his heart. What is this?

Meanwhile, Reginald was just standing from behind, leaning on a post. He only came out when the Emperor passed his room. He is also watching the Emperor, the General, and Captain Marshall. He walks towards Lorenzo who’s still standing there. He taps his shoulder.

“You should not let your hopes up, young man.”

Lorenzo was taken aback first because he was startled. When he saw that it was Reginald, his brows furrowed. Why is this man just watching the Emperor? Why didn’t he greet her? What an insolent brat.

“You know, expecting something will not do you any good.” Reginald beamed, making Lorenzo confused.

“What do you mean?”

Reginald sighs and lets go of his shoulder. “Poor man. You will get your heart broken if you get attached to the Emperor. You see, you have no chance of winning the Emperor’s heart.”

“What?” Lorenzo could not understand what Reginald was saying but when he mentioned about having no chance, he felt a little bit bitter.

“Do not drag me to your vain.” Lorenzo was about to leave but he stopped after hearing the question Reginald asked.

“Do you want to become the Emperor?”

He froze there as he got alert. During these days he had been in the Consort’s Palace, he forgot about his main purpose and now that he was reminded of it, he got puzzled as to how he could have forgotten it. 

He turned back to look at Reginald. His lips were curved as if he knew what was in his mind. Lorenzo secretly panicked. Why does this man feel like he should not mess with him? Why would he ask such question? What is his purpose? 

“You know, I am quite good at reading people’s minds.” Reginald smiled, dangerously. “I have been observing you for a while since you have become the Emperor’s consort.” He started walking around him.

“You know, I investigated your family background and it looks like I found something interesting.”

His body trembled. What? Could he have found out that…

Reginald chuckled upon seeing his reaction. “I was just kidding but why do you look so surprised?” He stopped in front of him as he leaned closer to his face. “Is there something interesting that is supposed to be a secret?”

Lorenzo’s body went cold. What is with this person? How is he good at reading people?

“Is it something that the Emperor should not know?” Reginald’s smile widened, enjoying every reaction.

Lorenzo took a step backward, feeling like he must stay away from this man. He maintained a cold reaction to not make it obvious. “I have no idea how you could create such speculation with just a mere glance, Your Highness.”

He stood firmly. “I believe that speculation without evidence is ignorance. I suggest you keep your dignity as a Crown Prince by learning the basics, Your Highness.”

Reginald chuckled as he watched Lorenzo avoid him. It was a hustle to add more work to observe him but it is worth wasting his time. If he is able to manipulate this newbie, he can reduce his work and just relax while waiting for that time to execute his plans.

He is thinking about how would the Emperor react when she finds out about his actual plan? The shock on her beautiful face would be so satisfying that he wants to devour her. It is a turn on when he imagines her beautiful dejected expression. He was chuckling when he walked back to his room.

“Wait for me, my Sage.”

***
END OF CHAPTER 60
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