Long Live the Emperor, Minus Me (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 44

“I was deeply moved today.”

“Is that so?”

“Well, Melchi, who just an hour ago said he was jealous that you relied on Liana, completely changed his mind. How on earth did you persuade him?”

Persuade? Was that really the kind of word an emperor should use? It struck me as rather questionable, but I didn’t point it out.

“I did nothing at all. His Grace the Grand Duke simply showed great consideration and noticed my difficult situation.”

In that regard, the Grand Duke truly was a desirable heir. It was understandable why the Emperor paid him such attention. After all, if someone shows promise as a successor, it wouldn’t feel wasteful to lavish anything upon them.

“Haha. Is that modesty, or was it precisely that quality that won Melchi over? Well, either way, I’m pleased.”

The Emperor tapped lightly on a cup filled with water. Though he’d said he didn’t need tea or anything of the sort, I’d served plain water just to keep up appearances.

“I did say back then that if the Princess performed well, I’d grant her whatever she desired.”

“I’ve already received more than enough.”

I’d learned how to build a friendly rapport with the Grand Duke, and both the Empress Dowager and Liana favored me greatly—but the Emperor remained an awkward figure to deal with.

If I had to receive something, it would be better coming from someone else; I had no desire to deepen my ties with the Emperor.

“What about matters that Melchi is too young for, Liana too innocent for, and Her Majesty the Empress Dowager too noble to handle?”

Yet, as expected of one who had clawed his way to the imperial throne, the Emperor immediately struck at my weak point.

“I’m not saying it’ll happen right away, but in my view, the Princess is an extremely political figure. As you mature, you’ll inevitably need to resort to less-than-honorable means. —When that time comes, borrow my hand just once.”

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