Everyone is Obsessed With Me (reupload)

Chapter 26

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince has been spotted in the Grand Duke's estate," The attendant reported. He stood straight, his eyes pinned on the boy sitting behind a large oak desk.

Levushka Kamenev, the third prince, was born from a count's daughter who was later added into the Emperor's harem as a concubine. Like all those who carried the Kamenev bloodline, his eyes were as red as rubies. Unlike his brothers, however, his skin was as tan as the tree bark, while his hair was as black as coal.

He did not wear anything extravagant - a simple black cotton blouse and a pair of loose pants that hung too low on his waist. Though his face was exquisite like an expensive decorative ornament, the only jewelry he wore was a simple silver ring with a wide green gemstone.

"Again?" he muttered, his mind racing with particular thoughts. He bit his lips and tapped the table, his head spinning with one possibility after another.

"He has been spotted there for 4 times this week," the attendant added. "I am certain something has caught his interest."

"Caught his interest?" Levushka scoffed, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "My beloved second brother? The same man who gouged out our brother's eye merely due to boredom?"

"It would appear so, Your Highness..."

"Is he attempting to secure the Sather's support?" Levushka scoffed and rolled his eyes. But he paused, as if something unprecedented had occurred to him. "No, that cannot be... Almost every soul in this empire understood how much those barbarians bore an abhorrence to the royal family."

Levushka leaned back on his chair with his legs crossed.

Trying to gain the Grand Duke's support is like trying to count all the leaves in the forests. By the time one is finished counting, thousands more are bound to sprout. It was an absurd undertaking for any ambitious prince fighting for the throne.

However, Czar is not a typical prince. Calling him a prince would be an insult to him, Levushka.

"Your Highness, I did hear something rather particular..." The attendant leaned forward, a small smile stretched across his face like a mischievous cat. "It seems as though the Grand Duke has picked up a rather special snowflake."

Levushka quirked an eyebrow; his head snapped towards the attendant. He leaned closer, a sharp grin spread across his face.

"A snowflake, huh?"

His eyes gleamed coldly.

"Do tell me more..."

--

Berenike leaned over the side of the tree, a determined expression on her face. Her slender fingers gripped roughly around the tree bark, her eyes glued onto the back of Hanbal's head. Her cheeks were puffed up, like a squirrel determined to steal nuts from an entire flock of birds. It had been days since their last conversation, and she still had not received a straight answer from Hanbal regarding their deal.

Was he trying to avoid her?

But why?

She was sure their deal was perfectly reasonable and fair!

"Hanbal... Turn around..." she chanted as she gripped the tree; her fingers turning a deathly shade of white. She began gritting her teeth loudly; the sound of her pearly whites clashing against each other sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Her usually soft peach blossom eyes were bloodshot from the lack of moisture.

"Hanbal..."

Swallowing his tea, Hanbal made it his solemn mission not to turn his head in any direction. He could feel the heat radiating behind him, yet he was far too frightened to turn around. Despite avoiding her as best as his ability, even going so far as to spend his time with Osric, she somehow could appear wherever he went. She was like a ghost. No, more like a small, white cockroach who always seems to know how to weasel its way into places it had no business being.

Hanbal set his cup down with a sigh. Cain, who stood calmly beside him, leaned over to pour more tea. Despite having spent a considerable amount of time together, he still could not grow accustomed to seeing Cain. On instinct, Hanbal put out a hand as though to stop him, but hesitated slightly before lowering it. His gaze shifted to the side, while still avoiding making any contact with the cockroach behind the tree.

He must not mix this world with his old one. He must not be attached to this temporary life. He must not. Not if he wishes to remain sane afterwards.

"Cain, you may leave me be. I shall be fine."

"Young Master, I am tasked with serving you. This is what I must do."

"You are tasked with obeying me."

Cain stood quietly on the side.

Then, with a professional poise, he looked away - as if he suddenly became a plant enthusiast, admiring the plants around him. Hanbal stared with his mouth slightly agape. What he said wasn't a suggestion. It was an order. How could a servant be this shamelessly insolent towards his employer?

"I did not ask-"

"Young Master, your tea."

"Hey. Don't you dare interrupt me-"

"Your throat must feel parched. Please, enjoy your tea. The Lord had personally asked me to brew this for you."

"I said-"

"The tea was brought from the West. Some say it contains qualities capable of healing male issues."

"..."

Hanbal's eyes twitched.

His long fingers wrapped themselves around the handle of his cup, as if to break it. Never once, not even in his other world, had he been so thoroughly insulted. He had always been alone, but that was because he preferred to be alone. Not because he had to be alone. Before he could utter a word, Berenike rushed from behind the tree. Her cheeks were puffed up with righteous indignation.

"My brother is not impotent!" She cried out. The ringing of her voice rang across the garden, startling the birds in the trees. Several of the nearby servants began whispering amongst themselves.

Hanbal stood frozen, his mouth slightly open.

Cain narrowed his eyes at Berenike and spoke with perfect composure, "Young master is not impotent."

"But even if he was, it would not change anything!"

"Do not call him impotent."

"Hanbal, even if you shoot blanks, you are still my brother!"

"Please refrain from talking to the Young Master in such a manner."

"I'll be there with you no matter what! So, about the deal..."

Hanbal covered his face with his palms; he could feel a migraine climbing the back of his head. Should he just kill them all?