Empress of Another World

Seventy One

Surprisingly, Clodys didn’t seem surprised at all by my sudden appearance. He turned around casually. I could no longer see any traces of anger in his eyes. He looked calm as if nothing happened.

I felt cold with fear. I could think of two reasons how Clodys could act calm so suddenly. Either the concern he showed in front of Liliana was an act, or the calmness he’s displaying now is a lie.

Either way, I thought he could be useful to me.

After a brief and tense silence, he finally opened his mouth.

“I didn’t know your highness has a nasty habit of eavesdropping.”

So he knew who I was.

I replied, “I apologize. I didn’t mean to do it. It was not intentional.”

“… I hope you are telling the truth.” After another short silence, he continued, “I guess it doesn’t matter anyway. Even if you tell people what you heard here, it won’t be any use to you. It is only a silly story between a man who lost his title and a powerless princess.”

He turned around to leave.

He obviously wanted to leave, which made sense. This was an embarrassing situation, but I had no intention of letting him go. Not yet.

“Wait.”

He replied angrily, “Do you need something from me? I can’t think of anything you would want from me.”

His words were sharp. He most likely saw me as one of the people who caused his mother’s death. I felt sympathetic, but this didn’t mean I would let him go.

“I do feel bad about your situation.”

Clodys frowned harshly.

I continued, “I can’t forgive your mother for poisoning me, but… I don’t agree with punishing you for your mother’s crime. To lose your title like that… I don’t think it’s fair.”

Of course, I knew his mother was innocent of the crime, but I obviously couldn’t let him know. I decided to go with the story.

He asked, “Are you kidding me?!”

“Of course not.”

I knew I was making him angrier, but I wasn’t worried.

He said impatiently, “Then are you asking me to apologize for what happened to you?”

“Of course not. You shouldn’t have to pay for your mother’s crime. That wouldn’t be right.”

“… Then I don’t understand why you are talking to me.”

He looked like he wanted to kill me. I hid my nervousness by smiling calmly.

I replied, “I think it would be best to just get to the point.” I paused with another smile and continued, “I will be direct. Would you like to work with me? Be on my side?”

“…”

The silence was killing me, but I continued to maintain a smile. I looked at his eyes and kept my mouth shut. I couldn’t show any weakness.

He finally opened his mouth.

“Are you kidding me?”

“How many times do I have to tell you that this is a serious matter? I am a busy woman, so why would I waste my time kidding with a nobody?”

He became angry at the word “nobody.” I knew it would, but it was done on purpose. I added.

“I just want to give you a chance.” I added.