The Credentials of a Couple (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 24

“Thank you for accepting the invitation, Marquess Crayton.”

“How could I possibly refuse an invitation extended by Your Majesty?”

“I’m truly grateful to hear you say that. I was worried you might not want to dine with me at all—I kept thinking you were making excuses.”

Regardless of the underlying barb in his words, the Emperor greeted Bake with a bright smile, clearly delighted to see his old friend, and Bake was no different.

Bake offered the Emperor, who was patting his shoulder, a polished society smile and eased the atmosphere with proper etiquette.

But I knew just how much effort he had put into avoiding coming to the palace.

Even at this very moment, having come in response to the Emperor’s dinner invitation, Bake would have wanted nothing more than to escape the palace.

After all, he knew better than anyone that the Emperor, who was now gazing intently at him, could not possibly have arranged this meal with pure intentions.

“There’s no way I’d ever do such a thing.”

“Of course not. You are, after all, the foremost among the Empire’s loyal subjects. I remember every single thing you’ve done for me until now.”

“…….”

“That’s precisely why this matter pains me all the more. In many ways.”

Bake wordlessly moved closer to me as the Emperor’s gaze naturally shifted toward me.

Though Bake’s intention was to shield me from the Emperor, the Emperor himself showed no hesitation.

“I’m delighted to see you again, Marchioness Crayton.”

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