APML 29

Chapter 29

Trash That’s Everywhere

The first part of the victory banquet was to be a celebration of the triumph, and the second part, a formal feast.
During the first part, the Emperor would officially announce the victory, commend Cain for his achievements, and award him medals and honors.
He would also briefly announce the future treatment of the Shuran Kingdom and the direction of diplomacy.

“As Emperor of the Adrian Empire, I commend Cain Lewis for his great achievements on behalf of the people of the Empire, and… cough cough…”
The Emperor coughed violently as if he might choke and clutched Cain.

Aaron and the palace attendants standing nearby rushed to the Emperor’s side.
“I’m sorry, Cain. I’m still not fully recovered… cough.”

Cain glanced at Aaron and then held the Emperor’s arm to support him.
“Your Majesty, it would be best if you rested.”
“But…”

At the Emperor’s faltering words, the Grand Duke approached.
“Let’s head inside, brother. It’s just a ceremonial event, after all.”
The palace attendants also supported the Grand Duke’s suggestion and repeatedly urged the Emperor to leave.

“Cain, I will give you an award separately.”
“I appreciate it, Your Majesty, but it would be best if you take care of your health first.”

“Thank you for understanding, Cain. Then…”
As the Emperor opened his mouth to speak to Aaron, the Grand Duke interrupted.
“Aaron, I will escort our brother, so please take care of the rest.”
“Yes, Uncle.”

The Grand Duke supported the Emperor and exited the hall with the palace attendants.
Cain and Aaron watched until they disappeared from sight.

Though they did not speak, they shared the same thought.
Every time they saw the pathetic little act of trying to appear as friendly brothers officially, despite being worse than strangers, it was both amusing and pitiful.

“The Emperor’s illness seems quite serious.”
“We need to expedite the Crown Prince appointment. Since most state affairs are already handled by His Highness, it might be better for him to formally succeed sooner…”

The whispers of nobles occasionally reached Cain and Aaron.
Neither the common people nor the nobles felt the Emperor’s presence strongly.
He had long recognized that he could never surpass the Grand Duke’s reputation and had empowered Aaron.
Even if his illness worsened, he allowed Aaron to handle state affairs and manipulated public opinion to hasten the Crown Prince appointment.

As the next Emperor, Aaron was more than capable.
His policies were practical yet creative, gaining particular support from the younger generation.

“It’s impossible to know what the Grand Duke intends.”
“Exactly. Unless he moves, neither the Crown Prince appointment nor abdication will be easy.”

Even though there was only one prince, everyone knew that the delay in the appointment was due to the Grand Duke’s influence.
Nobles debated whether the Grand Duke secretly harbored other intentions.
Cain and Aaron overheard the whispers of nobles glancing at the two of them standing together.

The awkward silence between Cain and Aaron was broken by Aaron.
“Sorry, Cain. It ended like this. Let’s have a private celebration later.”
“That would be good. But shouldn’t you announce the policies on behalf of His Majesty first?”
“Oh, right. You’ll stay, won’t you?”
“Yes. I will.”

Aaron smiled and nodded.
“Ah, right. I heard there’s someone from the Grand Duke’s house debuting today.”
“You heard?”
“Of course. The rumors are everywhere. Introduce me later.”
“I will.”

Cain and Aaron were not on bad terms to the point of feigning closeness like the Emperor and the Grand Duke.
However, they could no longer ignore the eyes and ears of those around them.
Would they maintain a delicate relationship like the Emperor and the Grand Duke in the next reign, or would they become adversaries with only one surviving?
Everyone was curious, but both deliberately avoided addressing the uncomfortable question.

Cain observed the Grand Duke and Evelyn.
When the second part of the banquet began, the Grand Duke, as her protector, safely completed Evelyn’s introduction and greetings.
Cain assumed that Evelyn would soon be handed over to him, but unexpectedly, the Grand Duke continued to accompany her.

“The Grand Duke personally attending to her and introducing her must mean he values her greatly.”
“I heard she’s under the guardianship of the Leonard Marquis family.”
“I thought the Grand Duke had cut ties with the Leonard family after the Duchess passed, but apparently not.”
“Perhaps this will lead to the Marquis’ return?”
“Maybe. If he specifically asked the Grand Duke instead of another branch in the capital, there must be a reason.”

There seemed to be more chatter than usual today.
Cain disliked this.
He had asked his grandfather to ensure the Grand Duke would not manipulate him, yet these political interpretations were unavoidable.
So far, he had remained a passive observer.
But today, he had a hunch that he could no longer do so.

Cain continued watching the Grand Duke converse with Evelyn.
“What exactly are you scheming?” he wondered.
Finally, Cain decided to step forward to take Evelyn away.

“Are you really planning to stay with me the whole time?”
“Yes.”

Whether aware or not of the expectant glances from the ladies around them, Cain remained firmly at Evelyn’s side.

“Sir Cain Lewis. Long time no see.”
Someone approached to congratulate him on returning safely—Cain didn’t remember this young gentleman.

He intended to respond briefly, but the young man, seemingly not focused on Cain, introduced himself to Evelyn and bowed politely.
“May I request a dance, Miss Newman?”
“Unfortunately, Miss Newman injured her leg.”

Cain interrupted before Evelyn could answer.
“Oh.”

Embarrassed, the young man glanced at Cain, then looked at Evelyn with concern.
“So that’s why you aren’t dancing.”
“Yes. That’s right. Sorry about that.”
“No worries. I hope you recover quickly. Please allow me another chance next time.”

The young man politely bowed to Evelyn and withdrew.

“How many times must we refuse before they stop coming? Hasn’t even the news of her injury spread yet?”
“Perhaps it’s because the hall is large and crowded.”

Evelyn glanced around nervously, trying to calm Cain, who was grumbling in frustration.
The more he chased away men requesting dances, the fewer approached—but the number of glances increased.
Whenever someone’s eyes met Evelyn’s, gossip would spread further.

It was awkward, but Cain didn’t seem to mind, so Evelyn wondered if she was overreacting.

Evelyn’s gaze wandered around the hall and settled on Prince Aaron.
His golden hair and blue eyes were the epitome of a ‘prince.’
He smiled and treated everyone kindly, in stark contrast to Cain’s personality.

Cain followed her gaze and noticed Aaron.
“Interested in the prince?”
“Well, he is a prince…”
He was also the hero that Les had suggested she meet.

“Would it be rude if we went to greet him first?”
“Not exactly.”

Cain glanced briefly to see what Aaron was doing.
Aaron was talking with young gentlemen of his age, their expressions light—nothing serious.

“Let’s go. He’s curious about you too.”
“Really? Wow, I’m nervous!”

Evelyn followed Cain to approach Aaron.
Their eyes met; Aaron excused himself to the young men and greeted them both with a smile.

“Your Highness.”
Aaron nodded lightly to Cain, then his gaze turned to Evelyn.

Their eyes met, and Evelyn thought his softly curving blue eyes were beautiful as she bowed.
“I am pleased to meet you, Your Highness.”

Aaron looked at her curiously.
“Pleased to meet you, Miss Evelyn. This must be your first banquet, since you just debuted today. How does it feel?”
“It’s amazing.”

Aaron had expected clichés like ‘enjoyable’ or ‘wonderful,’ but Evelyn’s choice of word made him laugh softly.
Evelyn panicked, worried she had said something wrong, but Aaron regarded her with an even more relaxed, friendly expression.

“I heard the Leonard Marquis is your guardian, so you must be from the North. Is this your first time in the capital?”
“Yes, it is.”

“Then you must have a lot you want to see and do. I hope the Imperial Palace is among them.”
“But it’s not easy to enter the palace. Last time I could only see the walls before being chased… Ah!”

Blushing, Evelyn quickly covered her mouth. Cain held his head in exasperation beside her.

“Well, Miss Evelyn, I must order the guards to let you pass unconditionally.”

Suppressing a laugh, Aaron playfully reassured her.
“I’ll formally invite you to the palace soon. There are many fascinating things there.”

Evelyn bowed her head in embarrassment.
Even though he was a prince and they had just met, Aaron had a presence that made people feel at ease.

Feeling less tense, she blurted out something foolish.
“There’s no need to be embarrassed, Miss Evelyn. That’s Cain’s fault.”
“Huh?”
“Yes. You should’ve been mindful, Cain. You could have shown her around the palace properly.”

Aaron pretended to scold Cain lightly, and Cain played along.
“Yes. My duties are finished, so I’ll take care of it from now on.”

Aaron noticed a flustered attendant hovering nearby.
“What is it?”

The attendant approached, relief on his face, and bowed.
“Apologies, Your Highness. The Grand Duke urgently requests the commander’s presence.”