Appetency

ELEVEN

  The next morning in the palace, Emperor Ephraim tries to get Laurent to stay for another day. He neglects his morning duties, accompanying Laurent everywhere he went with some desperation and would try to bring up their childhood.

It doesn't go unnoticed by Laurent or the others.

The emperor's retainers have long taken notice when the ball took place. Emperor Ephraim had shown immense interest in Laurent and had even went out of his way to ask him for a dance, only to be turned down because of Laurent's fondness for the Grand Duke of the South.

And after the ball ended, Emperor Ephraim locked himself up in his room, obsessed with wanting to see the pink-haired man. In fact, it's like no matter what their emperor does, it all pertains to Laurent.

Though, he was especially focused on the subjugation of the demonic beasts, going as far as to implement more money in soldiers which raised great concern among the ministers.

Of course they received the reports of growing numbers of monsters, but it wasn't something to be too worried about. They already sent out teams to the outskirts of the empire as well.

But the emperor was already trying to deal with the problem at an alarming speed.

Even so, the only other thing Emperor Ephraim cared about was Laurent.

It's understandable since they were friends a long time ago, but the nature of this matter was strange and unnatural. Emperor Ephraim had suddenly decided that Laurent was somehow above anything and everything, spoiling him to where the male could throw any tantrum he wanted and wouldn't get reprimanded.

It's like he's treating the young master like a lover. It's almost heartwarming if it they ignored Laurent's blatant coldness towards him.

Still, it took Laurent by surprise.

Honestly, he doesn't remember the emperor paying attention to him from the other routes other than the one where he pursued him.

"Stay a little longer," His Majesty murmurs, holding onto Laurent's hand despite him already sitting in the carriage.

Laurent stares down at him, frowning.

"My brother should be back home by now. I have to return before he gets worried."

"I will send a letter to him."

"Thank you for the offer, but I think it's better if I go back."

His Majesty tightens his hold on Laurent's hand.

Laurent simply pulls himself away instead.

"I see. Please come back whenever you have time," the emperor finally says. "I will miss you-"

"I've said it before that this isn't appropriate Your Majesty. I will be engaged to Valentino once my brother gives us his blessings."

"... It won't come through. Seamus won't allow it."

The emperor grows disheartened at the sight of Laurent's lips curling up into a sneer, displeased by what he said. He moves away from him completely and ignores him, allowing the coachman to finally shut the door.

Emperor Ephraim watches him leave and doesn't move from his spot for a long time.

As soon as he left the empire, Laurent slumped in his seat and curled up at the very edge. He rubbed at his temples, finding himself with a headache.

Everything is wrong.

Why are the love interests acting like this?

It's like they have no interest in Amren Cervantes whatsoever.