“I’ve mentioned it before, but that’s difficult. The person who has worked for our family since my father’s time… If we dismiss him, it will be seen as not acknowledging the favors he’s done.”

“……”

“Let’s talk about that another time.”

If it were in the past, I might have felt frustrated while understanding him, but now, I have no interest in the family’s investment manager, whether he takes bribes or engages in schemes.

I roughly nodded.

“Well then, aside from that, what made today so interesting?”

His unexpected question instantly brought me back to attention.

Looking at his mild, smiling face, my elbows stiffened like a frog meeting a snake. It was a reflexive reaction. Honestly, I found him uncomfortable.

Unpleasant emotions, fearful feelings, contempt and hatred, a bit of awkwardness. I felt all these negative emotions.

It was just as deep-rooted as my once deep fascination with him, and I still couldn’t break free from that feeling.

“It was fun.”

I forced a smile.

“You know, it’s what the king wishes for me. He instructed me to guide the prince well, and if the reception is neglectful, it might lead to a royal decree.”

“Yeah. I know that too…”

Hubert rubbed his temples.

As his staring gaze became burdensome, he spoke again when the time felt right.

“Just curious.”

“What?”

“That you, who usually feels awkward around other men, get along so well with someone like that savage.”

“It’s because it’s what I have to do.”

Hubert laughed playfully.

“More enjoyable than being with me?”

I couldn’t take that as a joke.

“What do you want to hear? You already know.”

“……”

Responding somewhat irritably, a hint of laughter disappeared from his lips.

“Well, I thought I understood.”

“……”

“Now, I’m not so sure.”

My mind became complicated.

What does that mean?

‘Is he doubting me?’

He asked abruptly.

“What kind of conversations did you usually have with the prince?”

“What?”

“I noticed you were talking continuously at the banquet. The prince seems rough on the surface. I was curious about what kind of conversation makes you so happy.”

I quickly reflected on my actions that day. Fortunately, there was nothing that could fuel Hubert’s suspicions.

With Giovanni, I spent the entire banquet dancing together, sharing food, drinking, and enjoying trivial conversations.

Carefully choosing my words, I revisited that day in my mind, wondering if I had made any mistakes.

“I answered within the limits of what I knew because he seemed curious about the kingdom’s situation as an envoy who has come from the desert after a long time.”

I provided an appropriate truth as if measuring something, and Hubert narrowed one eye as if gauging.

“Kingdom’s culture?”

“Yeah. I also visited the temple today. I was planning to go to the opera. It’s interesting to have a date in the temple, isn’t it?”

It was a statement intended to ease the tension of an unknown origin, but Hubert only lifted the corners of his mouth.

“You seem to be quite interested in the kingdom’s culture.”

That’s it.

‘I only spoke the truth.’
Telling lies that can be easily caught by someone as perceptive and suspicious as Hubert is dangerous.

“Do you have any problems? Related to the prince…”

“No, it’s not that. I’m just worried.”

“Worried?”

“Does he need such kindness?”

I was perplexed.

That’s precisely what the king wants. To be kind to Giovanni and win his favor.

“Don’t you understand? You should act kindly. You need to become close. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“If you felt that way, it must be a misunderstanding. Did you forget, Igor? He is the imperial prince. The empire is a long-standing plunderer of our kingdom.”

Our eyes met. Though appearing transparent, his icy and cold gaze was piercing me persistently.

He was conveying his intentions to me with just his eyes.

“Don’t get close to the prince.”

‘When will he push me instead of Aris.’

“Got it.”

“Do you understand?”

“I understood well.”

Finally, he smiled slyly. It was a serene and affectionate smile, quite different from the intimidating eyes.

It felt stifling. The comfortable and enjoyable feeling I had before entering the mansion disappeared entirely.

He whispered to me as if consoling.

“I just hope you’ll be more careful. For your own sake, you know well how to conduct yourself.”

Is he warning me not to harm the family’s reputation?

Feeling a bit tired and fed up, I responded briefly.

“I understand.”

But something seemed wrong.

Hubert scrutinized me as if observing.

“Does he appeal to you?”

His words, which came after a while, were completely out of the blue.

I couldn’t say anything. I didn’t know what to say.

“I know you will never harbor different feelings.”

“……”

“You won’t do anything to make me sad.”

His words clung to me like a noose. Unpleasant and damp.

As he rose, my breath, which had momentarily stopped, was exhaled only after he disappeared from sight.

Walking lightly through the room, Hubert whispered.

“Everyone knows the king’s intentions. He hopes the prince will have affection for you. That’s not a bad thing. But Igor.”