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Chapter – 20
I stared at him in surprise, keeping as much distance as I could.
“Someone might think I’m about to be eaten.”
Yes. Otherwise, there’s no reason for him to be here.
But in front of me was the solemn Emperor—someone who could crush my head with a single finger.
An awkward laugh slipped out naturally.
“No, it’s not that… It’s just that, Your Majesty, being busy and coming to such a humble place…”
“Just humble?”
“Uh… honored, I mean. Haha.”
“No need to mind such things.”
He had already turned and started walking ahead.
“No need to bring anyone else along.”
The Emperor, who had hidden his identity at first, now had no hood and only changed his hair color.
He brought his knights and completely controlled the mercenary office.
Even the Stork Baron’s knights kept their distance due to the strange energy.
“Um… Really, you’re coming along? Aren’t you busy as the pillar of the empire?”
“Busy.”
“Then why…”
“I’m curious. I want to see how the divorce lawyer who will take my case treats her client, how capable she is. I really dislike fools.”
He’s still suspicious of me, after all.
“Also, since the client is my friend, it’s better if I come along.”
He reached out his hand to me.
Strangely, it felt like someone had tied me with a string and moved my hand.
Before I realized it, my hand was on the Emperor’s.
I’m being completely swayed by the Emperor.
Am I being seduced, or…? No, I can’t resist. This person is the Emperor of the Empire.
I exhaled deeply and followed his lead.
“Don’t like it?”
“No. I’ll do as Your Majesty wishes. What power do I have?”
Eventually, I was led to the carriage waiting outside the mercenary office.
Was the Emperor trying to show he was the Emperor—or hide it?
He sent me in first, in a plain carriage painted black, like a cheap imitation of the royal carriage.
Soon he followed, and the carriage sped off.
The ride was smoother than any I had taken before.
I almost dozed off, but I forced myself to avoid his gaze, feeling uneasy.
Then curiosity hit me.
Ugh… this curiosity. I need to control it…
Being a lawyer, curiosity had always helped me.
But for someone at the top of this hierarchical society, it was not a very wise feeling.
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes?”
“Why are you so interested in me? Even if you hire me, it doesn’t seem to benefit you… there must be other female lawyers.”
“There is a reason it must be you.”
His voice dropped like heavy smoke settling on the floor.
It sounded almost like a devil’s whisper.
“A reason it must be me…?”
“Yes.”
Could it be he fell for me at first sight, or was captivated by my confidence?
If so, I would be incredibly embarrassed.
“What… reason?”
“You can properly provoke my mother.”
“…Excuse me?”
Not love or fascination…? I bowed my head in embarrassment.
“Why that expression?”
“Is that really the reason you chose me?”
“Yes. Because of the Azbek Marquis’ divorce, my mother became very angry. You are the one who can further provoke her. Just seeing you will enrage her.”
“Then… I’m in danger, aren’t I?”
Having already incurred the former Empress’ hatred, this was far worse.
The Emperor moved beside me.
His long, well-kept fingers slid through my silver hair.
I froze, seeing him up close—it was dangerous.
Slowly, he swept my hair back.
The silver strands flowed like a waterfall, swaying with his touch.
My shoulder line became visible, and he tapped my shoulder like piano keys.
Startled, I looked up at his face.
His handsome features were like a snake—mesmerizing yet dangerous.
The cold of his body ran through me.
Perfect looks, but dangerously alluring and cold.
Actually, the real danger is sharing a carriage with a strange man…
“Danger comes at moments like this, Raviel.”
“…Uh…”
“Do you dislike becoming my wife?”
“It’s not that I dislike it… It’s just that I don’t want to take the Empress’ place after completing both divorces.”
“If you gain one thing, you lose another. But don’t worry. If you become mine, I’ll devote all my time to you.”
It sounded romantic, but with him holding my fragile shoulders, it was far from that.
I couldn’t guess his real intention. Surely he wouldn’t marry me just to see the former Empress angry?
“…Of course, you’ll get the seat next to me only after passing this test.”
“No…”
“Don’t feel pressured.”
His hands brushed my shoulders slowly.
“Just like this is enough.”
I had no idea what to say—he didn’t seem to listen.
“Your Majesty.”
“Yes?”
“If I refuse to obey you, what will you do?”
“I’m not petty. Refusing a case won’t harm you. I’ll just observe how well you do as a lawyer.”
Unexpected.
“I’ll even attend your marriage to see how remarkable the man you choose is.”
“So many potential disadvantages… but…”
It felt like he was openly saying, I’ll see how well you live without me.
I smiled awkwardly at him.
The Emperor remained utterly confident.
“I am a very kind person.”
“…Kind? Haha.”
“Being kind means that even with an Empress, I chose you from all those begging for my attention, opening their mouths like baby birds.”
How can feeding someone unwanted be considered kindness?
He was firm and unyielding.
The carriage slowed abruptly.
Looking outside, a small but neat mansion appeared.
The carriage drove inside the gate, and the man waiting bowed as we arrived.
It seemed we had arrived at Baron Taylor’s place.
As we got out, Baron Taylor immediately bowed to the Emperor.
“Your Majesty.”
“Come in.”
He looked a bit uncomfortable, like a puppy needing to go outside.
Soon, he realized the reason for his discomfort was me.
The Emperor seated himself naturally, as if he were the master, and gestured me to sit.
“Baron Taylor, feel free to speak. She is a divorce lawyer.”
“…Your Majesty. I don’t want a divorce. But a divorce lawyer…?”
“Think carefully, Baron Taylor. If your spouse wants a divorce, someone must defend you. And a divorce lawyer with experience can defend you best.”
“Ah…”
“Now, tell us everything. You can speak freely.”
Baron Taylor relaxed and began to share all his concerns without hesitation.
