APML 20

Chapter 20

Cain, having entered the imperial palace, headed to the outer palace where the emperor’s office was located for an audience.
“I’m sorry, Commander. His Majesty isn’t feeling well and has canceled all audiences for today.”
“…….”
“But if you wish to pay your respects, His Highness the Crown Prince has said you may come to the imperial palace—”
Before the servant could finish speaking, Cain turned on his heel.

Leaving the outer palace, he went to the imperial palace, where he met Prince Aaron.
“Cain.”
After saluting, Cain casually glanced at the closed door of the emperor’s bedroom.
“I heard His Majesty is bedridden.”
Aaron smiled awkwardly.
“How is he?”
“He’s not feeling well.”
“So he doesn’t want to see me.”
Perhaps because this wasn’t the first time, Cain’s expression remained calm.
“Let’s go in.”
“Cain.”
Aaron stopped Cain as he tried to enter.
“Bear with whatever he says.”
“I understand.”

Cain entered the emperor’s bedroom.
The emperor leaned against the bed at an angle.
His unfocused eyes were dim, and his complexion was dark.
Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned his head.
“Your Majesty. It’s Cain.”
“……You’ve returned.”
“Yes. I’ve come to pay my respects.”
“Come closer.”

Cain quietly approached the emperor’s side.
“I should be congratulating you on your achievements, but I’m sorry I’m like this.”
“It’s nothing.”

The emperor stared silently at his nephew standing straight.
Seeing a face resembling his brother and Gregory Lewis looking down at him sent a sudden chill over the emperor’s body.
“You too… you too are the same.”
Clutching the blanket, the emperor turned his head away.
“I’m tired… I need to rest.”
“Then I shall withdraw.”

Cain saluted toward the back of the emperor and quietly withdrew.
Compared to before he departed for the north for the Shuran campaign, it wasn’t so bad.
This time, he had left quietly without any verbal abuse or sneers.

Walking down the ornate corridor, Cain loosened his tie.
Even though he could navigate the palace blindfolded, he always felt stifled when entering.
“I want to go home.”

He had never thought this way or acted on such feelings before, even with things he needed to do.
Stopping briefly, he looked at the sky through the corridor window.
“It’s the first day, so it should be fine.”

With lighter steps than before, Cain quickly exited the palace.

“Welcome, Cain.”
“Ah.”

Entering the mansion, Cain flinched at Evelyn’s bright greeting.
It was the first time someone other than the butler had welcomed him, and it felt awkward.
Aside from brief visitors, it was the first time he had let an outsider into the house.

“You came sooner than I expected. I thought you’d be late with so much work even after returning.”
“It’s the first day, so I came early. There will be more later.”
“Even though the war is over, you still don’t rest. You must be tired.”

Nonsense.
Cain, who wanted to smile at the concern, met the butler’s eyes and cleared his throat.
“Was everything all right?”
“Nothing happened, but I was a bit lonely.”

Her voice was slightly downcast.
It would have been less awkward if she had come with Cain, but because of the audience schedule, Evelyn had to go to the mansion alone.
Having received Cain’s instructions beforehand, the butler treated Evelyn kindly.
However, moving freely around the empty mansion made it difficult to ask questions.

“You weren’t alone for too long, were you?”
“I couldn’t help it. The only person I know is Cain.”

Like a dog excited to see its owner return, she had dashed out and acted affectionately.
She had boasted that she could live well alone if brought to the capital, but being in a strange place without her owner had clearly made her anxious.

Just as Cain was about to say a few comforting words, his gaze met that of a maid peeking curiously at him and Evelyn.
Seeing the startled maid quickly bow her head, Cain closed his mouth.
Evelyn was a guest, and it was the mansion owner’s duty to attend to guests, but Cain felt strangely embarrassed.

“You must be busy.”
“Yes.”
“Must be hard work.”
“Yes.”
“You should eat.”
“I will.”

Ultimately, Cain only gave minimal responses, accompanied by Evelyn and the butler, until they reached the bedroom.
Just as Cain wondered if she would follow him in, the butler politely stopped Evelyn.
“Miss, from here, I’ll take over.”
“Oh, right. See you at mealtime, then.”

Evelyn left Cain a greeting and turned away.
Watching her tiny, hurried footsteps disappear, Cain entered the room.
“Sigh.”

Feeling awkward, Cain loosened the top button of his shirt.
The butler, who had been observing him quietly, asked cautiously,
“Shall I give her some instructions?”
“No. She’s naturally talkative.”
“Ah, yes.”

Cain listened to all her trivial words, though he rarely spoke unnecessarily in his own mansion, especially outside of orders or instructions.
Moreover, Evelyn seemed comfortable talking with Cain.

“She’s new to the capital, so help her out. If she goes somewhere, provide a carriage but make sure a maid accompanies her. She shouldn’t go alone.”
“Yes, understood.”
“The butler will manage, so it might sound like nagging, but ensure she lacks nothing.”
“Very well.”

Just as Cain was quiet in the mansion, so was the butler.
He wondered about Evelyn’s relationship with Cain, but seeing Cain take care of her, he assumed she was indeed a valued guest and asked no further questions.

“There’s a tailor the Grand Duke’s family deals with. Call them quickly and get what she needs. Most of what she brought won’t be useful.”
“Yes.”
“Make sure her shoes are comfortable.”
“Yes.”

The butler responded politely, acting normally to ease Cain’s slightly embarrassed ears.
“Shall we go downstairs? Dinner should be ready.”

“What’s with all the quiet?”
After dinner, Cain finished some paperwork in his study before going to Evelyn’s room.

Evelyn, leaning back on the sofa, raised her head slowly as Cain entered.
“Talk about being idle?”
“Mm.”

She had been thinking about exactly that, and although she frowned, she didn’t respond further.
“Aren’t you tired?”
“Not really.”

Cain didn’t sit immediately, instead glancing around the room.
He rarely entered rooms other than the bedroom and study.

“How’s the room? Comfortable?”
“Of course. It’s more than fine, really.”
“Good. I wondered if it would be okay since no one’s used it before.”

The furniture and walls weren’t Cain’s taste, but their bright feel made them suitable for Evelyn.
“If you need anything, ask the butler.”
“Yes, I will. But Cain, what should I do if I want to go out? Is the city far?”
“The butler will provide a carriage. But for now, don’t go out alone.”

“Oh, but—”

It was troublesome if she encountered that person unexpectedly.
Evelyn murmured hesitantly, but Cain was firm.
“The capital is different from Snowple. If you go somewhere dangerous, serious trouble could happen.”
“I understand, but… going with strangers feels strange.”
“Until you get used to the capital, do as I say. You don’t want to worry your grandmother, do you?”

Mentioning her grandmother, Evelyn reluctantly nodded, though her expression remained dissatisfied.
“Well, I’ll go with you when I have time.”
“Me personally?”
“Why, do you dislike it?”
“No, I’d love it.”

Much better than with strangers.
Evelyn finally smiled, relieved, chattering about places she wanted to visit.
Cain responded lightly, though his mind was occupied elsewhere.

‘Father will surely learn about her. Or maybe he already has.’
Cain knew someone in the mansion would relay information to the Grand Duke.
Knowing this, the Duke didn’t mind Cain not visiting for formalities or reports.
‘I need a reasonable excuse.’

He couldn’t cite prophecy and no one would believe he was a private counselor.
Better to establish a plausible pretext to avoid suspicion.
For instance… a distant relative from the north, with no contact since his mother passed away.

In the drawing room, Grand Duke Lewis observed his son’s companion.
Her silver hair and pale skin marked her northern origin.
Yet what intrigued the Duke most was Evelyn’s demeanor.
Ordinary young ladies often shrank before him, intimidated, but Evelyn showed no fear.
She maintained eye contact and even showed curiosity.

“What’s your name?”
“Evelyn.”
“Evelyn… which family are you from?”
“Not one you need to concern yourself with, Your Grace.”

Does he ask her status even of servants?
Taken aback, Evelyn vaguely replied.
The Duke, having already guessed, did not press further.
“Hmm.”

However, something puzzled the Duke.
Although her clothes were neat, they were worn, and she wore no ornaments or hairpieces.
If she were a noble heiress, shouldn’t she be more elaborately dressed, even if garish?

“Grand Duke?”
“Hmm?”
“Cain has been busy lately and comes home late. Should I send a message?”

Cain would come to the Grand Duke’s house on his own soon enough.
For now, it was enough just to hint at why she had come.

“No need. Actually, I came not to see Cain, but Miss Evelyn.”