Chapter 55 - Aiden And Grapefruit Jam Cookies

55. Aiden And Grapefruit Jam Cookies

Most adult men were afraid of the stand-in-Emperor, but Enrique didnt budge. This much fear wasnt enough to pressure Enrique.

People hummed and looked sideways at the interesting sights, pretending not to be.

I didnt expect His Majesty to keep check

As expected, Her Majesty and Prince Javier are indeed

The buzzing from all over the place made Estebans face crumple.

Even though he only left for a little bit, a fly got twisted with his cute Mabel. On top of that, it was Enrique Javier from the annoying Javier Duchy.

This happened before.

They hadnt met in three years, acting this close was unexpected.

To think you remember clearly what happened three years ago, Mabel is indeed a genius.

In the meantime, Esteban was constantly silly for his daughter.

The murmur grew louder and louder.

Then as expected, His Majesty, the stand-in-Emperor

He is against their relationship

Grit.

Esteban grit his teeth.

He wanted to wipe out all the teeth that were spreading unbelievable rumors.

Daddy?

However, he couldnt reveal his temper in front of the cute Mabel, who was looking up at him with big eyes.

Esteban covered the child with his body so that Enrique couldnt see Mabel. Mabel whined because of her blocked vision, but Esteban did not move.

He had a duty to protect his precious daughter.

Mabel has no intentions to dance with you.

The person I asked for the dance is Her Majesty the Emperor, not Your Majesty the stand-in-Emperor.

He thought he would back off with one word, but Enrique was more persistent than expected.

Theres no helping it.

He didnt want to go this far, but there wasnt much to do if he came out like that. Esteban glared at Enrique with a grim face.

If you want to ask Mabel to a dance, youll have to go through me first.

Silence fell.

Enrique, the party concerned, and all the other nobles spectating were silent. The act of risking his life to dance with the cute Emperor was too reckless.

It was said that his temper had died down a lot now, but Esteban was once called the murderer of the battlefield.

There was no one who could go through him.

I accept Your Majestys wishes.

Enrique, who eventually backed down, bowed his head and stepped back.

Estebans eyes scattered the crowd amid the deadly atmosphere. The people shivered and avoided eye contact.

At a time when everyone was afraid of the stand-in-Emperor, only one person criticized him.

Daddy, you dwummy!

It was Mabel.

Mabel, your Daddy is doing this all for you

Daddy, dont ruin the atmothphere and go away.

Mabel!

The little Emperor defeated the murderer of the battlefield, whom everyone feared, in just two words.

Peoples mouths gaped as they watched the stand-in-Emperors back, which was trudging sullenly.

She destroyed His Majesty!

Duchess Donovan, who was watching the situation, spoke to Mabel.

As I said, you didnt need to learn how to dance.

Haha

Thats what you meant

In fact, Mabel thought that the scariest was Duchess Donovan, who saw through the stand-in-Emperors fiery nature.

.

.

.

The last stop for Duchess Donovan was where young people of Mabels age gathered.

D-Duchess Donovan!

One of the oldest young ladies them was surprised and greeted her as an example.

Duchess Donovan pointed out the young ladys mistake with an expressionless face.

You must greet the Emperor first.

The young ladys face turned pale when she realized that she greeted Duchess Donovan before the Emperor.

I-I beg you, Your Majesty. Please forgive my mistake!

An unintentional disregard to the Imperial family. Of course, it wouldnt be passed over.

But why was it.

Mabel grinned at the young ladies.

Ith okay, ith okay.

The young ladies were deeply moved by the Emperors generous gesture, which seemed insignificant.

Shes cute and generous!

Mabel gave a motherly smile.

Ahh, so cute!

The young ladies dressed up in pretty clothes were very lovely.

How could you not be cute when your cheeks are blushing because you dont know what to do?

It wasnt a big deal to say hello to the Duchess first when you dont know Im here anyway.

Duchess Donovan spoke, Will you introduce yourselves to Her Majesty?

It was a great honor to introduce themselves to the Emperor. The girls greeted themselves with blushing cheeks and flushing skirts.

I am Sandra Salaman of Count Salaman.

I am Christine Oberitt of Marquis Oberitt, Your Majesty.

I am Louise Hildea of Viscount Hildea.

After the introductions of several girls, there was only one left.

I am Emily Javier of Duke Javier. Its an honor to see you again, Your Majesty.

Mabel looked pleased at Emilys greeting, the girl with red hair.

Its nice to see you again, Emily.

The surrounding girls were surprised. This was because Emily never brought up that she met the Emperor.

It was a curious topic. As curiosity was focused on the veiled baby Emperor, it was the center of conversation.

After meeting Your Majesty, I was scolded because I wanted to see you again. I waited for the day of the banquet to come.

Mabel smiled happily when she said she wanted to meet her again.

Thwank you.

Is the dress Your Majesty is wearing one you got with the Duchess that day at the boutique?

Ung.

Its a very bright dress. It really suits Your Majesty! Her Excellency has a great eye indeed.

Emily praised Mabel and Duchess Donovan at the same time.

Thank you.

Duchess Donovan thanked her with a simple nod. The other young children were surprised to see Emily talking to the Emperor and Duchess Donovan so naturally.

They look really close.

It was a conversation between friends to whoever saw it, so no one could intervene. It was natural for Emily to take the initiative in the conversation.

If Your Majesty doesnt mind, would you come to my tea party later?

Mabels eyes opened wide at Emilys invitation.

Tea party?

The tea party itself wasnt a problem. The problem was Emilys family.

I cant walk to Duke Javiers house, full with snakes, on my own.

Mabel glanced at Duchess Donovan. She remained silent as if letting Mabel do what she wanted.

Brother Enrique will also be there.

Mabels heart became weaker with Enriques name. So Mabel answered vaguely,

Can I think about it first?

Of course! I will send an invitation.

Despite her vagueness, Emily smiled brightly. Duchess Donovans cool eyes were watching Emily.

***

The founding banquet lasted until late into the night, but the young ladies and young men returned to their homes early.

Emily and Enrique waited for their carriage to come outside alone.

Emily.

Emily replied brightly at Enriques call.

Yes, Brother.

Do as you usually do. No ones watching.

Well, okay.

Emilys expression changed in an instant. The smile on her face disappeared, leaving only a look of annoyance.

Emily Javier. On the outside, she was an angel-like beautiful girl, but in reality, she was different. If she wanted something, she seduced others by killing her personality, eventually obtaining it.

It was Emily, who was the Javier-like child, whom even Duke Javier acknowledged.

Only a few members in the Javier family, including Enrique, knew Emilys true personality.

Enrique warned Emily.

No matter what Father said, dont do anything to Her Majesty.

Who is Brother to say that?

Emily.

Are you ordering me right now?

Emily snorted. Even though he was a few years older, she had no thoughts of treating him so.

Enrique Javier. Choose your brotherly route properly.

Are you trying to be the national anthem? (T/N: Shes talking about his loyalty to Mabel.)

Enrique didnt speak again this time. Emily shrugged her shoulders.

Your eyes looking at Her Majesty were dripping with honey.

Youd better refrain from making rude remarks.

What of it, Her Majesty isnt here anyway. And Her Majesty would forgive such rudeness, wouldnt she?

Emily, who perfectly understood Mabels personality through only two meetings, smiled.

If you really want to be the national anthem, you should smile at the cute Emperor and watch her well. Wag your tail like a puppy. Then maybe shell like Brother?

watch your words.

If not, then youd better wake up. Unless you want to be deprived of your succession rights.

Emilys eyes on Enrique were cold.

Its annoying that Brother was chosen as the successor as if its normal for the eldest of the family to.

Even though she was a child of the same family, her position as the successor went to Enrique. She couldnt accept that fact.

Im more suited to that position than that broken brother.

She thought so from the bottom of her heart, but her conservative father never gave up on Enrique to the end. He never thought of Emily as his successor.

When her father called her a few days ago, she would be lying if she said she didnt have any expectations.

Emily,

theres

something you need to do.

What is it, Father?

Get close with the Emperor. You should be the closest one with her, more than any other lady.

However, her father gave her a mission she had no knowledge about. Emily didnt know what he was trying to do to her, but she agreed.

She promised to show her abilities to her father.

Being close with the Emperor will help in the future too.

But why did she keep thinking of the Emperors smiling face?

***

Its a relief that the Imperial Palace is home.

I didnt stay long, but my whole body was drained and exhausted.

Lissandro took me away at the order of my father, who was watching me from afar.

Your Majesty, did you enjoy the banquet today?

Ung. But ahm a little tired.

Thats understandable.

Lissandro smiled and hugged me. I rubbed my sleepy eyes and buried my face in Lissandros chest. In the meantime, I didnt release the tight squeeze of my hands.

What is that, Your Majesty?

Snacks.

For me?

Sleep took over. I shook my head vigorously and hid my fists in my arms. So when I flipped over, Lissandro freaked out and supported my back.

Aigoo, thats dangerous, Your Majesty!

I cant give these to you!

I wont take them!

Only then did I embrace Lissandros neck with relief.

It felt strange when we arrived to my quiet bedroom.

The orchestras performance was still lingering in my ears.

After I took a warm bath and changed into my pajamas, the kitty jumped onto the bed.

[Take me with you next time. I want to go to a banquet too!]

I said you would become a spectacle.

[Who dares to treat me as a spectacle? Dont be ridiculous. I will be the one spectating the humans!]

The kitty was full of laughter, perhaps bored because it was guarding the bedroom alone. When it played with the toy with feathers a few time, the kitty quickly became tired and lied down.

Im also going to bed.

I was wiggling in my blanket when I should see a shadow passing by outside the window.

There was only one person who could wander around my bedroom through Lissandros watch. I got out of bed right away and ran to the balcony. It wasnt until I opened the window that I realized that I was barefoot.

Aiden!

Your Majesty.

If you came, you should have come inthide. Why are you here outthide?

I thought you might be tired.

Even though youve come in before.

I had seen him come in while I was sleeping a few times, so it was funny he pretended not to.

But this was good. I had something for Aiden.

Wait a minute.

I went into my room and came back with what I had in my fists. Aiden, who waited for me, asked as if he was dumbfounded.

You didnt go in for shoes?

Ung? No?

I didnt even think of shoes. I wriggled my bare feet and handed my fists to Aiden.

Twake it.

?

Aiden took the pouch and opened it.

Aiden likes snacks. I thought of it, so I packed some.

Yes. I risked my life so Lissandro wouldnt take it away.

Because Im thankful for so many things.

Its not easy to sneak in and out of the Imperial Palace, acting as the head of the information guild instead of me.

Its small, but its a reward.

thank you.

This is nothing.

I felt very proud to see Aiden see what he liked. I promised to myself to bring him sweets in the future.

Among them, the grapefruit jam cookieths are the yummiest.

I tried them earlier; they were so delicious that I was surprised.

is that right?

Ung. Try it, Aiden!

I looked at Aiden with sparkling eyes. Aiden hesitated for a bit and then took a bite of the cookie.

Yummy, isnt it yummy?

yes.

I knew you would like it.

When I smiled happily, Aiden held out the cooke to me.

For me?

Aiden nodded, but I hesitated.

I brushed my teeth

But in the end, I couldnt overcome the temptation of the delicious cookie. I grabbed the cookie and took a bite. My mouth was filled with sweetness and a slight sour and bitter grapefruit flavor.

It was that moment.

Bang-babang!

Flamboyant fireworks burst in the sky. I heard that there was going to be a firework show at midnight, but I didnt expect to see it like this.

When I looked up at the sky in a daze, Aiden lifted me up.

Ung?

The floor is cold.

I could just get my shoes inside though.

But that idea quickly disappeared when the fireworks burst again. We looked up at the sky side by side till they no longer appeared.

Aiden, grapefruit jam cookies, and fireworks.

Hehe.

With only things I liked at night, I was really happy.