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chapter 32
The way the Emperor spoke to me, so that only I could hear, was far more blunt and sharp than when he was surrounded by the ladies.
Even at a glance, his tone carried clear dissatisfaction directed at me.
It was surprising that the usually cold Emperor would reveal such personal feelings. At the same time, I had no energy to respond, afraid of missing a dance step.
The Emperor did not remove his gaze from me and whispered again, as if venting his dissatisfaction:
“When dancing, aren’t we supposed to look at each other? You lift your head, don’t you?”
Though phrased as a question, the whisper was clearly a command. Only then did I meet his gaze.
The light from the chandelier reflected in his darkened eyes, flickering like deep blue flames.
His tilted smile, as if it could brush my forehead if he moved closer, was intimidating. I felt so intimidated by his presence that I couldn’t speak.
“Where has the rogue who dared to speak freely in the audience chamber gone?”
‘Talking about a rogue again.’
Only then did I open my mouth.
“You said I had already graduated from being a rogue.”
This was something I had wanted to say to him for a while. The Emperor gave a faint smile and looked down at me steadily. His gaze was cold yet intimate.
“Now you truly resemble Princess Esperanza.”
This time, the corners of his mouth curved symmetrically, provoking me. I could shake off my earlier intimidation.
Moreover, once I had spoken, speaking again was no longer difficult.
“Thank you for rescuing me from among the ladies earlier.”
I didn’t like how tense I felt in front of him, so I expressed my gratitude confidently. At least this was sincere.
In response, the Emperor whispered again, low enough for only us to hear:
“You were already navigating well on your own. Hard to believe it was your first time.”
The Emperor let out a quiet laugh, again meant only for me. This time, it sounded satisfied.
“You will do well in the future as the Duchess of Esperanza, even when facing political struggles with ministers.”
Hearing this unexpected compliment, I studied his eyes to see if he was sincere.
‘Half of what he says is usually criticism, teasing, or sarcasm.’
His deep blue eyes only grew darker under my gaze. I could read nothing from those ocean-like depths.
Yet as I continued to look at him, he deliberately guided me in a full turn.
In this style of dance, it was perfectly normal to spin whenever the man led, which suited the situation perfectly.
Before I knew it, the song ended, but the Emperor continued to dance with me in the following waltz, ignoring my preferences.
Usually, partners didn’t switch unless they were lovers or married couples. I could feel the shocked gazes of everyone else in the room.
The Emperor, however, effortlessly ignored the reactions and stepped confidently, wearing a picturesque smile.
“I have heard of the accomplishments you’ve recently achieved.”
This time, his words were loud enough for everyone in the hall to hear.
Perhaps because he was aware of the audience, his tone became more formal.
“I’m afraid I don’t understand what Your Majesty means.”
“The barrier you constructed over the southern slums with our Grand Mage, that’s what I’m referring to.”
Ah, Morga must have reported to him.
“You were fortunate to have such a skilled magical teacher, making it possible.”
Once I became slightly accustomed to both the people’s stares and the Emperor’s presence, I could step smoothly in time with the lively music.
Compared to how I had stumbled before, relying entirely on his lead, this was great progress.
“Your resolve must have contributed to your success.”
His words became intimate again, audible only to me.
“You’ve eased a great concern of mine. There was no other way to save the slums without revealing imperial secrets.”
“If imperial secrets…?”
“The conversation we had in the audience chamber.”
Ah, the one about how incubos go wild with the emotional swings of large crowds.
“There are always factions that rebel against the throne.”
The Emperor sounded disgusted.
“And if those factions get information about incubos, it would be troublesome, wouldn’t it? That’s why such information is naturally classified.”
Even as he explained, I subtly looked around.
I thought of Count Cailus upon hearing the audience chamber mentioned.
‘My teacher might have attended this event too. I wonder where he is.’
The Emperor frowned slightly at my expression.
“Are you thinking of someone else while dancing with the Emperor?”
“How could I dare?”
I quickly fixed my gaze on him.
The Emperor before me was both the wise ruler and the infamous tyrant of the empire. I didn’t want to imagine what would happen if he disliked me.
After briefly studying my eyes, the Emperor clicked his tongue softly, audible only to me. He had already guessed who I was looking for.
“Your teacher doesn’t usually attend such events. He had his reasons, which I permitted.”
The Emperor sighed.
“Still, he must have been moved to see a cherished student making her social debut.”
His sigh carried a touch of sympathy, as if he empathized with Count Cailus.
It was so natural that I raised an eyebrow.
“By the way, you’ve grown quite close to my aides.”
The Emperor suddenly changed the subject.
“Eh? Your aides?”
“Morpheus Benvolio and Beret Judium. Both praised you generously. Even the stiff Beret seems to have a new regard for you.”
Seeing the Emperor casually call his knights by name, he clearly maintained friendly relations with his close aides.
“You will surely grow into a capable assistant by my side. You show great potential, so I expect much. Come grow beside me.”
At that moment, my heart seemed to skip a beat, a tingling sensation spreading through my stomach.
He clearly valued me as talent, yet why did my body react this way?
‘Focus on the dance so I don’t make a mistake.’
I calmed myself and finally spoke.
“…I personally doubt whether I can truly be a useful asset to Your Majesty. Still, if you wish me by your side, I would consider it an honor.”
“No. I am very harsh when evaluating talent. Yet I like you. You will surely not disappoint me.”
The Emperor’s voice gradually grew loud enough for onlookers to hear again, and the waltz finally ended.
His dark blue eyes sparkled, and the corner of his mouth tilted slightly.
Even his overall arrogant expression harmonized with his presence, creating a beautiful work of art.
While I was momentarily dazed by him, he released me and bowed slightly, his gentle voice brushing past my ear:
“Moreover, your dancing is above average. Trust yourself more.”
Only then did I realize that the fleeting warmth in his usually cold eyes was playful.
This man was teasing me gently again.
I wanted to retort sharply in my usual fashion, but the warmth of his breath against my ear was more stimulating than expected. My face flushed pink, and my voice failed me.
The Emperor stepped back and signaled the end of the dance.
I returned the greeting belatedly, and he stepped away with a subtle smile.
I found myself following his composed figure with my eyes, as if under a spell.
Suddenly, I recalled the content of his loudly spoken words.
They were all subtle compliments designed to elevate my standing in society.
The Emperor, whom I thought indifferent, had been quietly looking out for me all along.
While I marveled at this new side of him, my vision was suddenly blocked.
“Have you been well under the White Tiger’s protection, Miss Asha? Congratulations on your social debut.”
“I also congratulate you, Princess Esperanza.”
Two tall, sturdy men—Morga and Beret—stood before me.
The Imperial Grand Mage and the Knight Commander, handsome and imposing, greeted me in turn. Naturally, Morga, with his sly demeanor, extended his hand.
“Miss Asha was already renowned as the empire’s finest beauty, but today, you are especially radiant.”
“The goddess of beauty and art, mate of the White Dragon, seems to have descended.”
Heavens, the stiff Beret actually gave such an embarrassing compliment to me. Flattery must be contagious.
“So, who will you dance with next?”
“Shall we dance together?”
Beret extended his hand first.
“Surely you don’t plan to dance with this ignorant one first? I am your magic teacher, after all.”
Morga made a pitiful, wet-dog expression.
Could such a gesture from this master of acting make me feel sympathy? Well… it did.
“Then I will dance with Master Morga next, and afterwards with Commander Judium.”
Morga grinned broadly, and Beret pouted.
“Princess Esperanza, you still don’t see me as a comfortable companion, it seems.”
Beret continued, disappointed.
“We survived the incidents near the palace together, yet you seem distant. I must try harder.”
‘His attitude is so different from last time. Well, I’m glad since he’s supposed to propose…’
I needed time to adjust to Beret’s sudden warmth.
“From now on, please drop the family title and just call me Beret.”
“Then please call me Asha as well.”
Whatever the reason, if both were friendly toward me, it was advantageous.
I smiled and placed my hand atop Morga’s, stepping onto the ballroom floor.
