𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐋. ( wmmap )

02. contrast

You've always thought that Jennette's jewel eyes were beautiful. The way they sparkled under the light, and how it was a reminder that she was of imperial lineage was something you always admired.

Her eyes, despite being blue in color, always looked at you warmly. She greeted almost everyone with a smile, and her eyes would twinkle in delight. It made you wonder if her father, the Emperor, shared that same trait of hers.

As you stood before him, Claude de Alger Obelia couldn't be any more different from his daughter.

They give off such different auras.

"Your Majesty, I bring forth my cousin, Countess (L/n) as discussed in the previous meeting," Roger Alpheus gestured towards you. 

You moved forward and bowed your head in front of the Emperor. You could feel his gaze on the top of your head, burning holes through it. His expression didn't change at all when you entered the room up until Roger mentioned your name, and that must mean he didn't know who you were, right?

If you could avoid his attention simply by changing your last name, you would've joined the council long ago. Who knew it would be this easy to fool an Emperor?

"Blessings and glory be upon the Sun of the Obelian Empire," you lowered your head further in a pathetic attempt to hide yourself from his gaze. Even though he didn't have a reaction when he saw you enter, you couldn't help but be cautious.

Claude de Alger Obelia was a dangerous man, and he was someone you couldn't afford going against if you wanted Jennette to live a peaceful life.

Claude looked over to Roger Alpheus. 

He didn't look like he favored Roger very much, and perhaps that was why your cousin was so desperate to have you come under his recommendation. If your proposal succeeds, he receives some credit as the person who recommended you.

"Is she of Sirkanan descent?" the way he spoke made it seem as if he was bored. His eyes turned back to you in an instant when you lifted your head, "I let that man do what he wanted for once, and he brings you?"

The way he talked down to everyone was something you weren't especially fond of, but perhaps it came with the position of being the Emperor. 

You tried to not let the fact that you were ticked off by his tone show on your face. 

"I don't have Sirkanan blood or familial ties with the nation, but I do have business connections," that intrigued him. It looked like he was desperate in solving the sudden dissatisfaction Sirkana displayed with trade, "I would like to offer a proposal that will mend the relationship of Obelia and Sirkana."

He leaned closer to the table this time. It seemed that even if he looked extremely bored with the meeting, he was willing to hear you out.

As long as cooperating with him this one time would end up benefiting both you and Jennette, you'd didn't mind working with a ticking time bomb. The only thing you should always remember was that you should never mention anything about your family.

It might give him the idea that you were related to Penelope, and things could go sour after that.

The fact that he didn't recognize your even after seeing you so close made you think that maybe he was never interested in Penelope's familial ties, though. Roger mentioned that you've never met the Emperor in person yet, but he should know of your name if he was engaged with your sister in the past, right?