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chapter 30
As Florencia entered the reception room, Duke Miren stood from his seat and bowed deeply.
“Greetings, Saint.”
No matter that they were father and daughter, Florencia was the only saint in the empire, endowed with divine power through the goddess’s blessing.
Even her father, Duke Miren, had to bow to show proper respect.
“Welcome, Father. How have you been?”
“Yes, thanks to the grace of Goddess Ipolito, I have been well.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Once the servants finished setting the teapot and teacups and left the room, Duke Miren lifted his bowed head and plopped back into his chair.
Though slightly disrespectful, it was a familiar sight to Florencia.
The duke always treated her politely when others were watching, but once alone, their relationship reverted immediately to that of a normal father and daughter.
“The Empress is greatly troubled that this plan did not go as intended.”
“Yes… I suppose she would be.”
“‘Suppose’? Is that what you call a proper response?”
The duke raised his voice.
Startled, Florencia’s shoulders trembled, but she quickly composed herself and spoke slowly.
“They say it was discovered by chance by Duke Klitzman. How could I have stopped it?”
“By chance? There? Is that even possible?”
Hah! The duke let out a sigh of exasperation.
His face gradually turned red with rising anger.
Florencia’s heart shrank with tension.
Though she was now a fully grown adult and a saint respected by the entire nation, before her father, she always became the awkward young girl again—especially when he was angry.
She clutched her trembling hands tightly as the duke, his voice laced with irritation, asked,
“You’re telling me they got off the carriage on an empty road and discovered it while walking?”
“That’s what I heard.”
Nodding calmly, Florencia met his gaze. The duke clicked his tongue sharply.
“Was it you? You helped Duke Klitzman, didn’t you?”
“How could that be? This matter was something we planned for a long time—”
“I know your feelings for the duke.”
“……”
Cutting her off, the duke spoke nonchalantly, as if dropping a timed bomb.
Florencia’s eyes wavered violently at his words.
It was a feeling she must never let anyone discover.
If her father found out, he might harm Elion.
Florencia knew all too well her father’s ruthless nature—he would stop at nothing to achieve what he wanted.
Perhaps she would no longer be able to meet Elion.
That was unacceptable. No matter what.
She forced her mouth into a composed smile and feigned innocence.
“Feelings? That’s absurd. The duke and I are childhood friends. We’re almost the only peers we can confide in.”
“……”
“Nothing more, nothing less. I care for him as a friend, but I would never foolishly leak our plans. Please trust me, Father.”
The duke’s eyes narrowed, as if trying to discern whether she was lying.
After a moment, he let his gaze drop and exhaled shallowly before speaking.
“If you say so, then so it must be.”
A smirk twisted the corner of his mouth.
Though he didn’t fully believe her, he decided to let it go for today.
“Prepare accordingly. The Empress will need to be appeased.”
“Yes, Father.”
Having finished speaking, the duke left without further words.
Once his footsteps completely faded, Florencia pressed her hands to her face and let out a quiet groan.
It was the first time Elion had come to the Imperial Palace since the founding festival party.
Emperor Christopher warmly welcomed Elion, who had returned after some time.
Elion first began reporting on the magic circle discovered yesterday.
“The capital’s barrier has been fully restored, Your Majesty.”
“That’s wonderful news! Thank you for your hard work, Elion.”
“However, we have not yet captured the perpetrators. We also do not know why they installed the magic circle there. We will work closely with the Grand Hall to investigate thoroughly.”
“Good. I trust you. I’m counting on you, Elion.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Christopher then turned to the quietly seated Empress Miranda.
“Shouldn’t the Empress also commend Elion for safely handling what could have been a great disaster?”
Before he finished speaking, Miranda’s red lips curved in a polite smile.
Her mouth smiled, but her eyes did not.
“Duke Klitzman, thank you for your efforts. Once again, we are grateful for your protection of the empire. It seems the royal family and empire are always indebted to you.”
“I merely did what was necessary. I will continue to do my best, Your Majesty.”
Elion answered formally to her formal words.
However, Christopher, seemingly wanting to correct her, immediately spoke.
“The Empress is half right, half wrong. It’s true that Elion has worked hard, but Elion is also part of the royal family, so it’s not correct to say the royal family owes him anything.”
Miranda’s lips twitched in irritation.
She disliked Christopher’s nitpicking and emphasizing that Elion was a member of the royal family.
But no one in the empire could ignore the emperor’s words—not even the Empress.
“Ah, I misspoke while trying to express gratitude. My apologies, Your Majesty. And I’m sorry, Duke.”
“It’s fine.”
Elion bowed slightly, watching the embarrassed Miranda.
I want to return as soon as possible.
Fatigue and a throbbing headache began to set in.
He somehow felt that he would need to transfer a lot of magical energy to Rubiana today.
Christopher, grinning mischievously while watching Elion, finally spoke.
“By the way, I can’t believe this happened to you too. Amazing, Elion! Well done, well done!”
“What are you referring to, Your Majesty?”
“Don’t play dumb. Are you embarrassed?”
Christopher laughed knowingly, then scowled playfully.
“And how many times have I told you? Call me ‘brother’ in private, not ‘Your Majesty.’”
Christopher’s sparkling eyes bore into Elion.
The only way to escape that persistent gaze was for Elion to do the one thing he could.
Clenching his teeth, Elion said,
“…Brother.”
“Good. That’s right. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?”
The absurd exchange between the brothers made Miranda, quietly sipping tea, twitch her eyebrows ever so slightly.
“What is your relationship with Miss Rubiana Payson? Are you casually seeing each other, or is it marriage-minded?”
“We’re not involved in any way.”
Without hesitation, Elion answered Christopher’s question.
Both Christopher and Miranda’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Not involved? You must not lie to me, little brother.”
“I rescued Miss Payson, who was about to be attacked by monsters, and as a result, received an invitation to dinner. That’s all.”
Christopher looked at him skeptically.
Elion let out a shallow sigh and briefly explained the situation.
“The reason I carried her to the hotel yesterday was that I found her on the verge of collapsing. I trust you’ve heard of her rapidly deteriorating health.”
“Now that you mention it… I recall hearing she fainted at the last palace banquet as well.”
Christopher exhaled a long sigh.
The ever-smiling emperor’s cheerful expression vanished.
He had first been disappointed to learn Elion and Rubiana were not romantically involved, and then disappointed again upon hearing of her illness.
Not yet. It’s too early to give up. Perhaps her poor health is what caught Elion’s attention.
This large, war-obsessed, “killer” brother was actually kind-hearted and gentle.
He especially cared for those who were injured or ill.
