Episode 8. Should I Be Good?
Canary looked around.
Everyone was smiling.
Although they didn't show it, it was clear they were making fun of her.
Canary forced a smile with a blushing face.
A cute and lovable Canary. Canary worthy of the Emperor's love!
That was the image Canary had built up.
"What... there was something like that."
Canary gulped.
"I'm glad I know now. Thank you for telling me, Sir Kassius."
She succeeded in answering as calmly as possible.
However, Kassius seemed uninterested despite Canary's efforts.
He didn't even glance at her.
Canary wheezed.
"Why is he so arrogant? For a former slave...!"
Of course, she understood that he had an eye-catching appearance.
In a world where that's a weapon, she knew people were ogling Kassius.
Plus, she was just trying to build a relationship with him since he was soon to be awarded the Duke of Loterra.
'I'm not saying this because I like him!'
Perhaps because he'd been through battle, his wheat-colored skin and blood-red hair were unbecoming of a nobleman, his golden eyes like those of a beast.
And his menacing body, wrapped in a black suit, was even more so.
'Vulgar.'
And he was completely unaware that his presence was threatening to others.
The nobles looked surprised and avoided Kassius's gaze.
Only Canary was intrigued by Kassius.
Canary's eyes sparkled.
'He's obviously violent. He grew up as a slave and probably didn't learn anything. He spent his time on the battlefield, so he probably doesn't know how to behave. Good for you, Renisha.'
Just thinking about Renisha, who would be so miserable, made Canary feel better.
Renisha was being punished for ignoring Canary all this time.
Kassius's violent side would surely drive Renisha to hell.
The last to appear was Laxus.
As always, Laxus arrived after a long, unruly delay.
Canary smiled coquettishly as soon as Laxus arrived.
While waiting for Laxus, no one had treated Canary sincerely.
“Your Majesty, why are you so late? Canary was just waiting for you.”
Laxus hugged Canary’s shoulder and kissed her forehead.
“I guess I'm late because you like waiting. Now, everyone, please take your seats.”
Canary gave Renisha a challenging look.
Renisha didn’t envy this at all.
How could she possibly envy that life, relying on a man’s affection?
Renisha snickered.
“I see Your Majesty is happy too.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Canary is getting prettier by the minute. Just looking at her makes me happy.”
“Really? Even the Empress would appreciate having someone by her side who makes her happy like I do.”
Laxus rubbed his chin.
His maddened eyes darted between Renisha and Kassius.
Kassius frowned as he felt those snake-like eyes lick him, but Renisha smiled innocently.
"What the hell is that son of a bitch thinking?"
And to think he's flirting with his mistress in front of his own wife?
"What a lunatic."
He doesn't even want to be associated with him, and yet he's the Emperor of this country.
Kassius felt his past, where he had struggled to become a nobleman, become meaningless.
Kassius hadn't sacrificed his body to lead the war to victory, to become a shameless man.
Kassius averted his gaze.
He felt like he wanted to get up right then and there.
Renisha grabbed his wrist.
It was probably hidden under the table, unseen by anyone, but the owner of those cool, slender fingers was undoubtedly Renisha's.
Renisha's palm was soft and moist.
As if Kassius were a completely different race from those who had fought side by side on the battlefield...
Kassius gritted his teeth. His throat bulged.
Even when Madame Turiel touched Kassius's body like pork on a stall and measured its size, he felt nothing...
His heart pounded.
Kassius rolled his eyes and barely managed to look at Renisha.
Renisha was still smiling, meeting the Emperor's eyes.
"How could I do that, Your Majesty? I am merely keeping my place as Your Majesty's consort."
Renisha's smile was dry and brittle.
"...Really? If the Empress is so, then so be it. I thank you all for coming here today. I invited you to do something I have been putting off due to my busy official duties. Before we eat, first... "Sir Kassius?"
Kassius slowly rose from his seat when his name was called.
Renisha's hand slipped from his.
What could he mean? Kassius gritted his teeth.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He could not ask what he truly wanted and only gave a stiff answer.
Kassius's wild, golden eyes clashed with the Emperor's languid eyes.
The Emperor smiled.
"I've disappointed you all this time! I'm sorry, I'm sorry. In fact, even though this position may seem insignificant, there's so much to do. Many people are looking for you, so much to do, so many duties."
Laxus suddenly leaned down and grabbed Canary, who was sitting there.
"Gya...!"
Before Canary could even scream, Laxus sucked her lips intently.
The vulgar sound echoed throughout the banquet hall.
Canary's face flushed red.
Laxus turned his head to look at Kassius and smiled.
"And these duties too."
Laxus's gleaming eyes turned to Renisha, who was sitting unperturbed on his right.
Laxus grabbed her wrist and pulled her up from her seat.
Laxus, who had pulled Renisha into his arms, bit the exposed nape of her neck.
Renisha frowned.
Renisha, catching her breath in disgust, slowly pulled away from Laxus.
He was doing this to provoke Kassius, so let it be.
Renisha covered her neck with her palm and stepped back.
“I have this duty too. I forgot about you. Your Majesty, please take your seat.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Kassius’s eyes burned with anger.
Renisha was a noble person. As expected of a child of Lottera. She values pride and honor...!
And now she had been humiliated in front of everyone.
The room was quiet, but everyone present saw what had happened to Renisha.
“Why did you do this?”
Laxus said to Kassius, who remained silent.
“Now, it’s time to reward you! I’ve been thinking. Wasn’t it the House of Lottera that led this war originally! I’ll dethrone you as Duke of Lottera. You will now become Kassius Lottera!”
Laxus let out a maniacal laugh.
His wide-open eyes were wet with something glistening.
Kassius bit back a curse.
“Well, aren’t you glad! You’re the one who cleanses the sins of the House of Lotera, who committed treason!”
The Emperor walked over to Kassius and grabbed him by the shoulders.
“This crazy bastard...!”
He was wondering if he should tolerate the Emperor who dared to defile Lottera, his idol, any longer.
His eyes met with Renisha’s. Her pink eyes were fixed directly on Kassius.
Renisha pursed her lips as before.
“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”
Kassius gritted his teeth.
The anger he feels now is too much to just follow along without knowing anything like before...!
‘I have to behave myself.’
Renisha smiled, her chin still slightly tilted.
What on earth does that woman think of Kassius? An obedient puppy?
Kassius turned his fierce gaze to the Emperor.
Kassius took a deep breath, and his menacing body twitched.
People thought Kassius was going to strike the Emperor.
Kassius lowered his head and licked his lips.
“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”
He behaved himself as Renisha told him. Damn it.
Canary looked around.
Everyone was smiling.
Although they didn't show it, it was clear they were making fun of her.
Canary forced a smile with a blushing face.
A cute and lovable Canary. Canary worthy of the Emperor's love!
That was the image Canary had built up.
"What... there was something like that."
Canary gulped.
"I'm glad I know now. Thank you for telling me, Sir Kassius."
She succeeded in answering as calmly as possible.
However, Kassius seemed uninterested despite Canary's efforts.
He didn't even glance at her.
Canary wheezed.
"Why is he so arrogant? For a former slave...!"
Of course, she understood that he had an eye-catching appearance.
In a world where that's a weapon, she knew people were ogling Kassius.
Plus, she was just trying to build a relationship with him since he was soon to be awarded the Duke of Loterra.
'I'm not saying this because I like him!'
Perhaps because he'd been through battle, his wheat-colored skin and blood-red hair were unbecoming of a nobleman, his golden eyes like those of a beast.
And his menacing body, wrapped in a black suit, was even more so.
'Vulgar.'
Canary abruptly turned her head, as if she'd never once glanced at him.
The next person to enter the banquet hall was Renisha. Renisha raised her head and scanned the room. Kassius was dressed beautifully. Madame Turiel had tailored Kassius's outfit to Renisha's liking. A clean, simple black suit, accented with luxurious materials and adorned with crimson jewels.
The next person to enter the banquet hall was Renisha. Renisha raised her head and scanned the room. Kassius was dressed beautifully. Madame Turiel had tailored Kassius's outfit to Renisha's liking. A clean, simple black suit, accented with luxurious materials and adorned with crimson jewels.
Renisha's golden dress swayed gently. Every time she moved, the eyes of those present were dazzled. This dress, woven entirely of gold thread, was meant only for Empress Renisha. It was a masterpiece crafted by the Empress's palace staff through the night.
"I must be late."
"No, Your Majesty. We were in a hurry."
The nobles, who had been silent and feigning arrogance, each spoke to the Empress. They seemed to be paying Renisha the proper respect.
"There's no need to stand, everyone. Just sit down."
Renisha elegantly sat down beside Kassius, as if she knew this was her appointed seat. Kassius inhaled. It was the scent of roses. It wasn't just a sweet floral scent. It was a scent that allowed him to perceive every detail, from the fresh green stems to the tiny thorns sprouting from the roses. It was a three-dimensional scent that seemed to fully reveal Renisha, the Lottera.
Kassius unconsciously turned his head toward Renisha. He felt as if the Duke of Lottera had returned to his former self. The Duke was right. Renisha was a child who resembled the Duke of Loterra.
Renisha, who had been talking with another noble, turned to Kassius. Their eyes met.
“Sir Kassius. We met again, and we’ve seen each other before.”
“Your Majesty.”
Kassius felt himself becoming speechless for some reason. Every time he spoke, the afterimage of the Duke of Loterra and the image of Renisha before his eyes blended together, confusing him. And somehow, he felt he now understood why the knights of the mansion had been so upset at Madame Turiel.
“A woman! The woman who isn’t on the battlefield!”
Kassius’s heart pounded. With every breath, Renisha’s scent swept in. A scent that somehow stirred the heart.
“Why do you look at me like that?”
Renisha asked softly.
“I...”
He had so many questions. What was the intention behind the gift? What was Renisha thinking? And he had things to say. But nothing came out. Renisha gently placed a hand on Kassius's shoulder.
"You look so pretty."
She stroked his shoulder as if stroking it, then removed her hand. Renisha whispered, "It suits you well."
Kassius's cheeks flushed like his hair. He clenched his fists unconsciously and turned his head forward. He didn't know why.
And he was completely unaware that his presence was threatening to others.
The nobles looked surprised and avoided Kassius's gaze.
Only Canary was intrigued by Kassius.
Canary's eyes sparkled.
'He's obviously violent. He grew up as a slave and probably didn't learn anything. He spent his time on the battlefield, so he probably doesn't know how to behave. Good for you, Renisha.'
Just thinking about Renisha, who would be so miserable, made Canary feel better.
Renisha was being punished for ignoring Canary all this time.
Kassius's violent side would surely drive Renisha to hell.
The last to appear was Laxus.
As always, Laxus arrived after a long, unruly delay.
Canary smiled coquettishly as soon as Laxus arrived.
While waiting for Laxus, no one had treated Canary sincerely.
“Your Majesty, why are you so late? Canary was just waiting for you.”
Laxus hugged Canary’s shoulder and kissed her forehead.
“I guess I'm late because you like waiting. Now, everyone, please take your seats.”
Canary gave Renisha a challenging look.
Renisha didn’t envy this at all.
How could she possibly envy that life, relying on a man’s affection?
Renisha snickered.
“I see Your Majesty is happy too.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Canary is getting prettier by the minute. Just looking at her makes me happy.”
“Really? Even the Empress would appreciate having someone by her side who makes her happy like I do.”
Laxus rubbed his chin.
His maddened eyes darted between Renisha and Kassius.
Kassius frowned as he felt those snake-like eyes lick him, but Renisha smiled innocently.
"What the hell is that son of a bitch thinking?"
And to think he's flirting with his mistress in front of his own wife?
"What a lunatic."
He doesn't even want to be associated with him, and yet he's the Emperor of this country.
Kassius felt his past, where he had struggled to become a nobleman, become meaningless.
Kassius hadn't sacrificed his body to lead the war to victory, to become a shameless man.
Kassius averted his gaze.
He felt like he wanted to get up right then and there.
Renisha grabbed his wrist.
It was probably hidden under the table, unseen by anyone, but the owner of those cool, slender fingers was undoubtedly Renisha's.
Renisha's palm was soft and moist.
As if Kassius were a completely different race from those who had fought side by side on the battlefield...
Kassius gritted his teeth. His throat bulged.
Even when Madame Turiel touched Kassius's body like pork on a stall and measured its size, he felt nothing...
His heart pounded.
Kassius rolled his eyes and barely managed to look at Renisha.
Renisha was still smiling, meeting the Emperor's eyes.
"How could I do that, Your Majesty? I am merely keeping my place as Your Majesty's consort."
Renisha's smile was dry and brittle.
"...Really? If the Empress is so, then so be it. I thank you all for coming here today. I invited you to do something I have been putting off due to my busy official duties. Before we eat, first... "Sir Kassius?"
Kassius slowly rose from his seat when his name was called.
Renisha's hand slipped from his.
What could he mean? Kassius gritted his teeth.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
He could not ask what he truly wanted and only gave a stiff answer.
Kassius's wild, golden eyes clashed with the Emperor's languid eyes.
The Emperor smiled.
"I've disappointed you all this time! I'm sorry, I'm sorry. In fact, even though this position may seem insignificant, there's so much to do. Many people are looking for you, so much to do, so many duties."
Laxus suddenly leaned down and grabbed Canary, who was sitting there.
"Gya...!"
Before Canary could even scream, Laxus sucked her lips intently.
The vulgar sound echoed throughout the banquet hall.
Canary's face flushed red.
Laxus turned his head to look at Kassius and smiled.
"And these duties too."
Laxus's gleaming eyes turned to Renisha, who was sitting unperturbed on his right.
Laxus grabbed her wrist and pulled her up from her seat.
Laxus, who had pulled Renisha into his arms, bit the exposed nape of her neck.
Renisha frowned.
Renisha, catching her breath in disgust, slowly pulled away from Laxus.
He was doing this to provoke Kassius, so let it be.
Renisha covered her neck with her palm and stepped back.
“I have this duty too. I forgot about you. Your Majesty, please take your seat.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Kassius’s eyes burned with anger.
Renisha was a noble person. As expected of a child of Lottera. She values pride and honor...!
And now she had been humiliated in front of everyone.
The room was quiet, but everyone present saw what had happened to Renisha.
“Why did you do this?”
Laxus said to Kassius, who remained silent.
“Now, it’s time to reward you! I’ve been thinking. Wasn’t it the House of Lottera that led this war originally! I’ll dethrone you as Duke of Lottera. You will now become Kassius Lottera!”
Laxus let out a maniacal laugh.
His wide-open eyes were wet with something glistening.
Kassius bit back a curse.
“Well, aren’t you glad! You’re the one who cleanses the sins of the House of Lotera, who committed treason!”
The Emperor walked over to Kassius and grabbed him by the shoulders.
“This crazy bastard...!”
He was wondering if he should tolerate the Emperor who dared to defile Lottera, his idol, any longer.
His eyes met with Renisha’s. Her pink eyes were fixed directly on Kassius.
Renisha pursed her lips as before.
“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”
Kassius gritted his teeth.
The anger he feels now is too much to just follow along without knowing anything like before...!
‘I have to behave myself.’
Renisha smiled, her chin still slightly tilted.
What on earth does that woman think of Kassius? An obedient puppy?
Kassius turned his fierce gaze to the Emperor.
Kassius took a deep breath, and his menacing body twitched.
People thought Kassius was going to strike the Emperor.
Kassius lowered his head and licked his lips.
“It is an honor, Your Majesty.”
He behaved himself as Renisha told him. Damn it.
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