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Chapter 69
A fine afternoon. Sunlight streamed through the stained glass and poured endlessly down the corridor.
On a day like this, I should be taking a walk with my little rascal.
—Thinking this, Wystans walked along the long carpeted hallway.
As soon as the attendants and maids passing by saw Kazliden, they quickly bowed their heads. The other aides also watched from a distance, their faces tight with tension.
“Shall I pull them all out?”
For a moment, Felix felt like he had become a monkey in front of everyone, and his mood soured. The way they whispered behind them, the way they kept glancing sideways—it was infuriating. Holding back the urge to replace them all at once, Wystans nodded slightly, signaling him to restrain himself.
“Causing a commotion would be troublesome.”
“Your gaze is too impure.”
“Then just send a look that says you’ll kill if necessary. But don’t act on it directly.”
Felix sighed heavily, his face showing clear annoyance. This was exactly why he hated being here—the limits imposed on him were suffocating.
“Please keep your words short and concise.”
“I wish I could do the same.”
But the other party was the Emperor. No matter how much it annoyed him, he had to bite his tongue and listen.
“The Emperor awaits you.”
At the entrance to the banquet hall at the end of the corridor, an aide bowed to the two of them. The knight holding the door handle shouted with subtle caution:
“His Grace Duke Kazliden and the Marquis enter!”
As the door slid open, Wystans seriously considered turning around and leaving right then.
‘There’s no time to see my little rascal anyway.’
It was such a waste of time to have come all this way just to see that brat.
“Well, well. It’s been a long time since your visit, Duke!”
The Emperor, standing to greet them, smiled as if meeting a long-lost friend. Wystans, knowing the Emperor’s terrible personality, knew he wouldn’t be genuinely welcoming him. It was a game of winners and losers now.
‘Unless it’s mockery.’
As he made his way to the dais, Wystans forced a self-deprecating smile while wiping at his mouth.
The Emperor descended the golden-carved throne steps to close the distance with Kazliden. The knights guarding the Emperor flinched, shaken by his unhesitant movement. Even a broken-winged Kazliden was notorious, and the knights subconsciously glanced at their swords, ready to strike if anything happened.
“I was worried as I hadn’t heard from you for some time. Felix, it’s been a while.”
The Emperor greeted his sibling, showing effortless charm. Wystans snorted quietly.
“Why bother with this old man?”
“Do not speak so, brother. I know you’re still vigorous.”
“Brother?” Wystans frowned.
“Please correct the title. Someone might misunderstand.”
“Misunderstand? When a younger sibling calls, what else would they say?”
Wystans clicked his tongue audibly. But the Emperor seemed unfazed, smiling brazenly.
“It’d be better if we moved to a more private spot. There’s much to discuss.”
The late Emperor had four sons. Among them, Wystans Kazliden was the firstborn of his concubine, Lady Iliana. Conversely, the current Emperor, Nigel, was the third son, born to the Empress. This led to intense debates among the nobility over succession.
Some argued that Wystans, though illegitimate, should be first in line as the eldest son. Others opposed this. Both Wystans and Nigel were exceptionally capable, making the debate even fiercer. Moreover, Iliana, Wystans’ mother, was a merchant magnate in the South with significant resources, further complicating matters.
The only solution was the Emperor’s decision. And here, the tide had turned completely—the Emperor chose Wystans.
‘How could the throne be given to an illegitimate child!’
‘Sire, considering succession, His Highness Nigel, the Empress’s son, is present. How can you…!’
Naturally, Nigel’s faction protested. But the late Emperor’s will was firm. His conviction to make the child of the woman he loved the heir was unbreakable.
“Recently, I heard some unusual rumors.”
Wystans, deep in thought, raised his head. The two of them had moved to the greenhouse from the banquet hall and were having a private discussion across a round tea table. Felix had already been sent away, just in case.
“What rumors?”
“I didn’t believe it at first, but I heard that you had gone missing for a short time.”
“….”
“Seeing you in person, I know it was nonsense.”
‘Straightforward, aren’t you?’ The fact that he didn’t bother beating around the bush suggested he had been quite concerned. Wystans gripped the teacup slowly.
“I was away briefly, but I wasn’t gone for long.”
“I believe you. But…”
The Emperor asked subtly, “Why were you away?”
“I was catching some pests,” Wystans replied, ignoring the hint of jest. “You know these things need to be done regularly.”
The Emperor chuckled knowingly.
“Yes, of course. Silly rumors—ignore them.”
“Exactly. Lately, many people spread absurd tales.”
After taking a sip of the appropriately cooled tea, the Emperor set the cup down.
“Were you surprised I summoned you so suddenly?”
“Why would I be?” Wystans lifted his chin arrogantly.
Still smiling, the Emperor said:
“The reason I called you today isn’t minor. It’s something that’s a bit sensitive to send by letter.”
Wystans narrowed his eyes slightly.
“What is it?”
“Not huge, but I think the time has come,” the Emperor said calmly.
“It concerns Felix’s engagement.”
“…!”
Wystans’ face stiffened, and his grip on the teacup tightened.
“It’s time to decide, isn’t it?”
