Episode 141. Jealousy for the First Time
Prince Kydel called out to me, but I didn't care anymore.
He was back healthy and fine, and judging by the way he stood there, watching me closely, the situation at the palace didn't seem dire. Isn't this a happy ending?
Honestly, I was getting tired of feeling inferior in front of him.
If I just lived alone, I wouldn't have to suffer like this. I was just struggling around someone so powerful.
Yes, I would miss kissing him. The thought that living single would mean I'd never be able to kiss him again was deeply disappointing.
I wish I hadn't known what it felt like.
But I was tired. I was tired of worrying about him, tired of denying that I wanted to see him...
...Anyway, it was okay.
Before I knew it, Prince Kydel was grabbing my shoulder.
"...Let go."
I spoke softly, thankfully hiding my feelings.
As I turned to leave, Prince Locard wrapped his arm around me from behind. His chin dug into the back of my neck, pressing firmly.
“Lorisha. I called you.”
I tried to twist, but his force left me motionless.
With superhuman strength, I managed to speak calmly.
“Congratulations on your remarriage, Your Excellency. Since it’s an international marriage, I guess you can invite more guests this time.”
“Ha!”
Prince Kydel spun me around. His usual lack of caution made me sway.
I couldn’t bear it any longer and shouted,
“Why?”
“I came from across the ocean, ran and ran, lost sleep worrying about you, and now you’re here without even a word of greeting!”
“Yeah, you were running so fast! I thought the wheels fell off. What are you going to do about the calluses on my perfect butt, Locard?”
Shanla shouted. Apparently, she understood the Imperial tongue too.
“Wow, congratulations. You finally found a woman who calls you by your name.”
“Lorisha!”
“Have a nice trip to Smilean? I hope you didn’t get too seasick. Oh, you should buy some souvenirs. Anyway, you seem busy, so I’ll be taking my leave now.”
“Stop it!”
“Ugh...”
Was it because I was angry, or because it had been so long? His kiss was incredibly rough.
I was torn between the feeling of being devoured by him and the realization, ‘Ah, so this is what a kiss is like.’
Even in the midst of it all, I could hear a few Smilean words here and there.
Shanla said, ‘Are they crazy?’ and His Highness Grayon got annoyed and said, ‘Speak with dignity from now on, Princess Shanla.’
Prince Kydel hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear,
“What good would it do if I just said I missed you?”
“How shameless are you now...”
“Shanla is Princess Smilean. She's come to see His Excellency Grayon.”
“...!”
He finally let me go. I looked at him with wide eyes in confusion.
“A-a state wedding? Again?”
“Prince Peylan said he’d give me a ride when I came, but he never said he’d let me go when I left, so he set a condition...”
"My brother is a bit like that."
Shanla interjected. Even though she was a woman, her voice was low and rough like his brother’s. But it was strange how it felt slightly lewd rather than unpleasant.
I shook my head and spoke.
“So you’ve decided to marry His Highness Grayon?”
“Because we need a long-term alliance with the Empire. It’s a long story.”
“I’ll first hear about His Highness Orl’s movements...”
Prince Kydel stroked my head as if cutting me off. His emotions were vividly conveyed in his heavy, careful hands.
Joy, gratitude, relief. And confidence.
I couldn’t doubt that he had resolved this situation and returned. His eyes were shining, hoping I’d see it too.
Tears welled up in my eyes, an inexplicable emotion.
“Are... are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
He answered, then took my hand and led me to the balcony. He sat down on a long chair there and pulled me in, holding me in his arms.
“Your Excellency?”
“I’m very tired, and I can’t leave the palace right now. So please let me sleep. I’ve missed this.”
“Your Excellency...”
He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, and I forgot what I wanted to say.
It wasn’t like I could refuse.
I closed my eyes, feeling his body heat all over my back. Only then did the fatigue I'd been holding back surge back to me.
"Can't they watch something?"
I heard His Highness Grayon click his tongue, close the balcony door, and walk away with Princess Shanla.
The secret passageway of the palace was always nighttime.
Orl's breathing was heavy as his body ached with the pain of fever. He gripped the poisoned dagger tightly in his hand. He must never drop it. Before he plunged this blade into Grayon.
The Empress had come to visit him a few hours ago. Even in his sickbed, Orl was startled by the Empress's haggard appearance and sat up.
She smiled warmly, sat down on the bed, and touched his forehead.
Orl felt relieved to see the Empress, but at the same time smiled anxiously.
"Why is my precious Empress coming now? I heard a strange noise and was worried."
"...Is that so? Why? How could I worry you?"
Orl smiled at the Empress's gentle touch and replied,
"I know, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is always my protector. But why are you so haggard? Tell me who it is. As soon as this fever subsides, I will rise and behead them."
"Orl. I have made a deal."
"..."
He realized the Empress was acting completely differently than usual. His weak heart began to pound.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
"I have found the antidote, Orl."
"Really?"
Orl beamed with excitement.
In fact, he too had sometimes regretted not having gone to Tunbar rather than living in such a frail state.
If Grayon had been victorious, he would surely have returned sooner. Then he would have been venerated as a war hero.
But the Empress did not smile as she shared the joyful news. He clenched his jaws against the ominous feeling that was creeping over him.
“Who did you deal with, and what was the deal?”
“Orl. Wake up tomorrow morning and see His Majesty the Emperor. Tell him that your health does not permit, so you will forget the competition and yield the Crown Prince position to Grayon. Then let us leave together.”
“Your Majesty, the Empress!”
His anger surged through him, radiating a heat stronger than body temperature.
“What are you talking about! Are you telling me to die at the hands of my brother? How could the Empress...! Grayon, that bastard, hold my antidote and tell you to do this? Answer me!”
The Empress bit her tongue in pain, swallowing her answer. She could do nothing but leave.
Watching the Empress’s back as she fled, Orl’s fever faded away, his mind cooled, his eyes cleared.
Yes. That was a betrayal.
From the only person he had ever trusted.
Tagar never forgave betrayal.
“Ugh...”
He crouched down with a sudden pain in his heart. The heat seemed to burn his body like a flame.
Awake in the dead of night, Orl woke up and pulled out the poisoned dagger. He headed to the Second Prince's Palace through a secret passage known only to Tagar.
Grayon was currently sleeping. If his brother were awake, he would be unable to fight him, but when he sleeps, isn't he defenseless against anyone?
If this dagger had just brushed against Grayon, he would become Tagar's only Prince. Then he could find the antidote and return.
No matter how Grayon had threatened the Empress, today was the last day he would see the young rascal act so arrogantly. He didn't care if he exhausted all his strength and was discovered right then and there. What would the Emperor do?
The one and only Tagar, the only son he had left in the world.
Orl leaned against the wall at the end of the secret passage, his hand on the wall, and took a deep breath.
'Let's end this contest, Grayon. My brother.'
Orl pushed gently against the wall of the secret passage, the door of his destiny.
In the dark bedroom, he stared at Grayon's bed, taking only one step at a time to keep his breathing from becoming more labored. He then slashed the dagger down onto Grayon's deeply sleeping body.
"...!"
But the sensation running through his hand told him something was wrong. Orl took a step back.
Then, suddenly, the light came on.
"Ugh."
There was a pillow under the blanket he had stabbed. He slowly turned around and saw them standing there.
Grayon, Locard, and the Emperor.
Orl dropped the dagger and shook his head vigorously.
"Your Majesty, that's not it. It's not what you saw! Your Majesty!"
The Emperor's eyes were devoid of emotion. The eyes of the man with the greatest power in the world were always dry and inorganic.
The Emperor spoke in a low, almost harsh voice.
"You murdered Grayon, Orl."
"No! This is his plot! Locard, you can't confess right now! You tempted Grayon into this!"
"Get on your knees."
"Emperor, Your Majesty, Your Majesty...!"
Orl's lips moved. The strength drained from his body, and he slumped down on the bed.
It was unclear what had fueled the Emperor's anger more, the eldest son's cruelty, willing to stain his brother's hands with his own blood, or the helplessness of collapsing after a few shouts.
Locard moved quietly and kicked the poisoned dagger from the floor.
The Emperor glared at Orl and said to him,
"Did you say there was a cure for Orl?"
Prince Kydel called out to me, but I didn't care anymore.
He was back healthy and fine, and judging by the way he stood there, watching me closely, the situation at the palace didn't seem dire. Isn't this a happy ending?
Honestly, I was getting tired of feeling inferior in front of him.
If I just lived alone, I wouldn't have to suffer like this. I was just struggling around someone so powerful.
Yes, I would miss kissing him. The thought that living single would mean I'd never be able to kiss him again was deeply disappointing.
I wish I hadn't known what it felt like.
But I was tired. I was tired of worrying about him, tired of denying that I wanted to see him...
...Anyway, it was okay.
Before I knew it, Prince Kydel was grabbing my shoulder.
"...Let go."
I spoke softly, thankfully hiding my feelings.
As I turned to leave, Prince Locard wrapped his arm around me from behind. His chin dug into the back of my neck, pressing firmly.
“Lorisha. I called you.”
I tried to twist, but his force left me motionless.
With superhuman strength, I managed to speak calmly.
“Congratulations on your remarriage, Your Excellency. Since it’s an international marriage, I guess you can invite more guests this time.”
“Ha!”
Prince Kydel spun me around. His usual lack of caution made me sway.
I couldn’t bear it any longer and shouted,
“Why?”
“I came from across the ocean, ran and ran, lost sleep worrying about you, and now you’re here without even a word of greeting!”
“Yeah, you were running so fast! I thought the wheels fell off. What are you going to do about the calluses on my perfect butt, Locard?”
Shanla shouted. Apparently, she understood the Imperial tongue too.
“Wow, congratulations. You finally found a woman who calls you by your name.”
“Lorisha!”
“Have a nice trip to Smilean? I hope you didn’t get too seasick. Oh, you should buy some souvenirs. Anyway, you seem busy, so I’ll be taking my leave now.”
“Stop it!”
“Ugh...”
Was it because I was angry, or because it had been so long? His kiss was incredibly rough.
I was torn between the feeling of being devoured by him and the realization, ‘Ah, so this is what a kiss is like.’
Even in the midst of it all, I could hear a few Smilean words here and there.
Shanla said, ‘Are they crazy?’ and His Highness Grayon got annoyed and said, ‘Speak with dignity from now on, Princess Shanla.’
Prince Kydel hugged me tightly and whispered in my ear,
“What good would it do if I just said I missed you?”
“How shameless are you now...”
“Shanla is Princess Smilean. She's come to see His Excellency Grayon.”
“...!”
He finally let me go. I looked at him with wide eyes in confusion.
“A-a state wedding? Again?”
“Prince Peylan said he’d give me a ride when I came, but he never said he’d let me go when I left, so he set a condition...”
"My brother is a bit like that."
Shanla interjected. Even though she was a woman, her voice was low and rough like his brother’s. But it was strange how it felt slightly lewd rather than unpleasant.
I shook my head and spoke.
“So you’ve decided to marry His Highness Grayon?”
“Because we need a long-term alliance with the Empire. It’s a long story.”
“I’ll first hear about His Highness Orl’s movements...”
Prince Kydel stroked my head as if cutting me off. His emotions were vividly conveyed in his heavy, careful hands.
Joy, gratitude, relief. And confidence.
I couldn’t doubt that he had resolved this situation and returned. His eyes were shining, hoping I’d see it too.
Tears welled up in my eyes, an inexplicable emotion.
“Are... are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m fine.”
He answered, then took my hand and led me to the balcony. He sat down on a long chair there and pulled me in, holding me in his arms.
“Your Excellency?”
“I’m very tired, and I can’t leave the palace right now. So please let me sleep. I’ve missed this.”
“Your Excellency...”
He wrapped his arms tightly around my waist, and I forgot what I wanted to say.
It wasn’t like I could refuse.
I closed my eyes, feeling his body heat all over my back. Only then did the fatigue I'd been holding back surge back to me.
"Can't they watch something?"
I heard His Highness Grayon click his tongue, close the balcony door, and walk away with Princess Shanla.
***
The secret passageway of the palace was always nighttime.
Orl's breathing was heavy as his body ached with the pain of fever. He gripped the poisoned dagger tightly in his hand. He must never drop it. Before he plunged this blade into Grayon.
The Empress had come to visit him a few hours ago. Even in his sickbed, Orl was startled by the Empress's haggard appearance and sat up.
She smiled warmly, sat down on the bed, and touched his forehead.
Orl felt relieved to see the Empress, but at the same time smiled anxiously.
"Why is my precious Empress coming now? I heard a strange noise and was worried."
"...Is that so? Why? How could I worry you?"
Orl smiled at the Empress's gentle touch and replied,
"I know, Your Majesty. Your Majesty is always my protector. But why are you so haggard? Tell me who it is. As soon as this fever subsides, I will rise and behead them."
"Orl. I have made a deal."
"..."
He realized the Empress was acting completely differently than usual. His weak heart began to pound.
"What do you mean, Your Majesty?"
"I have found the antidote, Orl."
"Really?"
Orl beamed with excitement.
In fact, he too had sometimes regretted not having gone to Tunbar rather than living in such a frail state.
If Grayon had been victorious, he would surely have returned sooner. Then he would have been venerated as a war hero.
But the Empress did not smile as she shared the joyful news. He clenched his jaws against the ominous feeling that was creeping over him.
“Who did you deal with, and what was the deal?”
“Orl. Wake up tomorrow morning and see His Majesty the Emperor. Tell him that your health does not permit, so you will forget the competition and yield the Crown Prince position to Grayon. Then let us leave together.”
“Your Majesty, the Empress!”
His anger surged through him, radiating a heat stronger than body temperature.
“What are you talking about! Are you telling me to die at the hands of my brother? How could the Empress...! Grayon, that bastard, hold my antidote and tell you to do this? Answer me!”
The Empress bit her tongue in pain, swallowing her answer. She could do nothing but leave.
Watching the Empress’s back as she fled, Orl’s fever faded away, his mind cooled, his eyes cleared.
Yes. That was a betrayal.
From the only person he had ever trusted.
Tagar never forgave betrayal.
“Ugh...”
He crouched down with a sudden pain in his heart. The heat seemed to burn his body like a flame.
***
Awake in the dead of night, Orl woke up and pulled out the poisoned dagger. He headed to the Second Prince's Palace through a secret passage known only to Tagar.
Grayon was currently sleeping. If his brother were awake, he would be unable to fight him, but when he sleeps, isn't he defenseless against anyone?
If this dagger had just brushed against Grayon, he would become Tagar's only Prince. Then he could find the antidote and return.
No matter how Grayon had threatened the Empress, today was the last day he would see the young rascal act so arrogantly. He didn't care if he exhausted all his strength and was discovered right then and there. What would the Emperor do?
The one and only Tagar, the only son he had left in the world.
Orl leaned against the wall at the end of the secret passage, his hand on the wall, and took a deep breath.
'Let's end this contest, Grayon. My brother.'
Orl pushed gently against the wall of the secret passage, the door of his destiny.
In the dark bedroom, he stared at Grayon's bed, taking only one step at a time to keep his breathing from becoming more labored. He then slashed the dagger down onto Grayon's deeply sleeping body.
"...!"
But the sensation running through his hand told him something was wrong. Orl took a step back.
Then, suddenly, the light came on.
"Ugh."
There was a pillow under the blanket he had stabbed. He slowly turned around and saw them standing there.
Grayon, Locard, and the Emperor.
Orl dropped the dagger and shook his head vigorously.
"Your Majesty, that's not it. It's not what you saw! Your Majesty!"
The Emperor's eyes were devoid of emotion. The eyes of the man with the greatest power in the world were always dry and inorganic.
The Emperor spoke in a low, almost harsh voice.
"You murdered Grayon, Orl."
"No! This is his plot! Locard, you can't confess right now! You tempted Grayon into this!"
"Get on your knees."
"Emperor, Your Majesty, Your Majesty...!"
Orl's lips moved. The strength drained from his body, and he slumped down on the bed.
It was unclear what had fueled the Emperor's anger more, the eldest son's cruelty, willing to stain his brother's hands with his own blood, or the helplessness of collapsing after a few shouts.
Locard moved quietly and kicked the poisoned dagger from the floor.
The Emperor glared at Orl and said to him,
"Did you say there was a cure for Orl?"
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