I Will Live for Your Death (20 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 17

“Forgive… what?”

It was unbelievable. Claudius should have punished Rivel—she had expected him to exact cruel retribution for the insult against someone he cherished.

Yet Claudius showed not a trace of anger; he remained calm. Disappointed by his indifference, Celina, seated on the Emperor’s lap, let her rising fury spill out.

“He spoke insultingly to a noble! He must be held accountable for his words!”

“A noble should show magnanimity. What would someone who’s rolled in the gutter know about propriety?”

“I was drenched in filthy water… and Your Majesty acts as if nothing happened?”

Tears welled in her fresh, emerald-green eyes. She was exceptionally skilled at crying—not out of genuine sorrow, but as an artful performance meant to evoke sympathy and protective instincts.

“Thanks to that, I now have my favorite perfume on and sit before you.”

Claudius’s hand, which had rested on Celina’s cheek, slowly slid downward. His cold palm settled on her bare shoulder. She instinctively shivered at the chill.

“Celina, nothing is more shameful for a noble than reacting to such trifles from inferiors or punishing them over small matters. A true noble must know how to show magnanimity and embrace others.”

Claudius continued in a low, measured tone. Rivel was, after all, also a mercenary soon to march to war under him. Provoking them needlessly would obviously affect troop morale during the campaign.

“Instead, I’ll send you a personal tailor. Since your cherished dress was ruined, I’ll gift you a new one.”

This was the very tailor entrusted with crafting the Emperor and Empress’s garments. Celina’s eyes, which had brimmed with tears moments before, now sparkled with eager anticipation.

“And there’s one more crucial matter…”

Claudius deliberately adopted a grave tone. His feigned seriousness succeeded perfectly in capturing Celina’s attention. She soon mirrored his expression and gently stroked his ear.

Read full content of this chapter on r e d c a t t y . c o m