Nelia thought it was time to explain to the Duke why the Crown Prince was showing interest in her.

If there was any misunderstanding, it was better to clear it up in advance.

“The reason Crown Prince Carlos is interested in me is because of you, Duke. It’s the psychology of desiring someone else’s toy, I guess. What belongs to someone you dislike seems more attractive.”

The Duke chuckled, his eyes filled with a somewhat mocking delight.

“The reason the Crown Prince became interested in you may have started because of me, but that’s not the case now.”

The Duke brushed Nelia’s cheek.

“Like I fell for your charm, so has he.”

Nelia held the Duke’s hand that was softly stroking her cheek.

I didn’t intend to go this far, but if I have to clear up misunderstandings, I guess I have to.

“There’s something I haven’t told you, Duke.”

“What is it?”

Nelia swallowed dryly before speaking.

“The day I served tea to Crown Prince Carlos.”

She hadn’t wanted to speak to spare Carlos, but it seemed better than piling up misunderstandings.

“His right arm temporarily stiffened. He looked surprised, so I helped him.”

“…How did you help?”

The Duke’s voice noticeably deepened.

“There was no other way at the moment, so I massaged his arm…”

Nelia saw the Duke’s face darken in realtime and lowered her voice.

Fortunately, the Duke’s face relaxed soon after.

“It seems his arm went numb again. The Crown Prince must be uncomfortable too.”

Yes. Duke Hart wasn’t malicious enough to resent even a person in pain…

“Then it’d be better if he didn’t have that arm at all. I should just remove that troublesome arm for good.”

The Duke spoke, wearing a cold smile.

Nelia grew concerned at the cruel words.

‘Could he… not be planning to draw a knife at the dinner table?’

Why did I have to meet Carlos that day?

Layton had come, and I couldn’t help it, but I couldn’t help the sigh that escaped.

(This is a time separator.)

Regrettably, the time for the promised banquet approached quickly.

Before I knew it, I was walking down the luxurious corridors of the imperial palace.

Red carpets were spread out in the corridors, and gold lamps were hung at regular intervals on the walls, illuminating the way.

The Duke had rarely gotten agitated two days ago, saying he’d cut off Carlos’s arm, but I had managed to calm him down.

Fortunately, things seemed quite peaceful now. Of course, who knows what’s going on inside.

“How did you come to be here, Duke?”

Nelia asked, as if to clear the awkward air.

Judging by the luxurious corridor, it didn’t seem like the place where they’d take ordinary guests.

Carlos had said the Duke would know because he’d been here. He must already know where we’re heading.
“Yes, I come here occasionally. His Majesty often gathers the bureaucrats here for a formal meal.”

“Is the food good……?”

“The food at the Duke’s is much better.”

Duke Hart replied to Nelia with a smile.

It was tough to look forward to the meal in an uncomfortable setting.

As they stood before the large doors, crafted from quality wood, the attendants on either side opened them.

As the grand doors swung open, a round table placed at the center of the spacious room was the first thing they saw.

It was different from what they had expected, thinking it would be long like the Duke’s table.

Carlos was already sitting at the center of the table.

That was unexpected too.

They thought he would make his entrance about ten minutes past the agreed time.

“Good evening, Your Majesty. Thank you for the invitation.”

As Duke Hart sat down, he greeted, and Nelia followed suit with formalities.

Carlos nodded his head with an indifferent expression.

“Sit.”

He had come early, so they thought maybe he had changed, but the short wordless response proved otherwise.

Nelia sat, thinking people don’t change that easily.

The food was served. It was luxurious and appetizing.

It was uncertain if they could properly enjoy it given the awkward and uncomfortable atmosphere.

When Carlos picked up his utensils, the formal meal started. The sound of clinking utensils quietly filled the room.

Nelia also cut a plump shrimp and brought it to her mouth. She couldn’t really taste it, maybe due to the tension.

“Do you like the food prepared?”

“Yes……”

The shrimp is fresh. Although nervous, so not really tasting it, its vivid luster seemed freshly caught from the sea.

Carlos’s gaze turned to Duke Hart.

“How about the Duke?”

“The imperial cuisine is always excellent.”

Duke Hart answered, eyes averted.

Carlos stared at the Duke silently, took a sip of water, and set the glass down.

“If the meal is excellent, then why have you been avoiding meals with His Majesty lately?”

Nelia almost spat out the shrimp she was eating.

It was true that the Duke had been avoiding the Emperor.

He had long harbored hatred towards the Emperor and recently decided to let go of his desire for revenge.

However, that hatred hadn’t completely vanished, so the Duke needed time to compose himself.

That’s why he had avoided the Emperor.

He thought no one would notice since he usually handled things smoothly.

Whether it was mere speculation, Carlos sharply pointed out the Duke’s changed demeanor.

“You misunderstand, Your Majesty. I have not been avoiding His Majesty.”

The Duke said, managing to smile.

He was truly skilled at lying. How could he lie so calmly without blinking an eye?

“What about your recent rejections to dine with His Majesty? I also heard you didn’t attend the monthly official dinners.”

“I’ve told you, I’ve been busy. I spent a month at my residence, and there were many unfinished tasks.”

Carlos chuckled.

“Good, if you are busy. I thought you were avoiding His Majesty.”

“There is no reason for me to avoid His Majesty, whom I have served all my life.”

“People are unpredictable. Even families suddenly become distasteful.”

“You worry too much.”

It was like a battle between sword and shield.

Even if Carlos attacked sharply, Duke Hart defended himself without a single gap.

Both parties were calm, but Nelia, who was watching, almost felt sick.

She had forgotten to swallow the shrimp she had been chewing and it stayed in her mouth for a while.

“I’ve been too focused on Duke Hart.”

With those ominous words, Carlos turned his attention to Nelia.

“Originally, the person I wanted to invite for dinner was you.”

“Cough.”

Nelia finally coughed. It was fortunate that her mouth was empty.
“The reason I arranged for today’s meal is to thank you for helping me back then.”

“What……”

“When my right arm was paralyzed, you helped me.”

When Carlos casually mentioned that day, Nelia’s eyes widened slightly.

She never thought he’d mention his own weak right arm, especially in front of the Duke.

Nelia composed herself and responded.

“I was just doing what needed to be done at that time… I would have acted the same way even if it wasn’t you.”

Carlos stared at Nelia, his chin propped up.

“You’re talking about unnecessary things.”

He liked her all the more for being such a person. Carlos mumbled as he put down his utensils.

“So, have you considered becoming my maid yet?”

“What……?”

“I’ll treat you exceptionally well. So well that no one could think of you as a maid.”

The corners of Carlos’s mouth rose. His expression was that of a mischievous child playing a prank.

“Third offer, are you going to reject it again?”

Nelia thought Carlos was truly malicious. Had he invited the Duke here for this?

Phew. Nelia exhaled calmly.

Just as she was about to utter her refusal.

“Let’s stop it there.”

The Duke’s voice echoed.