Chapter 64 - Even if You Dont, I Cant!

64. Even if You Dont, I Cant!

Its Enrique.

As soon as I met the bright eyes like spring flowers, my startled mind immediately calmed down. I dont know about other people, but I dont need to be wary of Enrique.

Even at that moment, the voices of the men talking about something got closer.

So what did that drunk bastard say to me yesterday!

How would I know? I said I dont remember!

Enrique pulled me gently as if I was afraid of the quarreling voices.

Come this way.

Following Enriques guidance, we moved forward. I was sweating as the horses were neighing and whispering to me as I moved.

[Give me sugar cubes next time too.]

[I will share everything I know, neigh!]

Okay, okay! Be quiet, quiet!

I worked hard to calm the horses. I was worried that people would come in from outside because of the horses, but fortunately, such an accident didnt happen.

There was an undiscovered side door inside the stable that Enrique led me through.

Pu-ha!

I took a deep breath and exhaled in the clear air that was distinctly different from the stable. Then, I suddenly realized that I was still holding hands with Enrique. Glancing at his hand, Enrique jerked his hand off and then relaxed.

I apologize, Your Majesty. Please forgive me for touching Your Majestys precious body recklessly.

Forgiven!

Enrique, who had a blank expression for a moment at my resolute forgiveness, burst into laughter.

haha.

I was a little surprised by the refreshing laugh that was like one in a drink commercial.

As I thought, pretty boys are the best.

Enrique asked me with a smile on his face,

By the way, I heard that Your Majesty was going to be at the tea party today, but I didnt expect you to be in the stables.

U-Ung. I ended up here somehow.

Can you tell me what happened in the stables?

That

I tried to pass it over, but Enrique didnt budge. He was obviously smiling kindly, but a certain unspoken pressure that couldnt be ignored was felt.

I heard you talking to someone.

Talk?

I flinched in surprise and then tried to calm myself down again. I cant be seen shaking.

Did you hear me talking with the horses?

No one other than Aiden knew that I could communicate with nature.

It was just that animals liked me, the seed of God.

I wasnt talking. I just got lost.

Really?

He didnt seem to believe me at all.

Ung. Really!

It was when I was sweating and telling unfamiliar lies.

Stop.

A cold voice separated Enrique and me. As I lifted my head from the gust of the wind, I could see fluttering black hair.

Aiden?

Aiden, who was blocking my way, was staring at Enrique with cold eyes. Surprisingly, Enrique also looked at Aiden with a firm expression.

Her Majesty doesnt like it.

At Aidens extreme choice of vocabulary, I looked at Enrique.

Its not that I dont like it.

I tried to make excuses in a hurry to avoid Enrique from misunderstanding, but my turn did not come. Enrique, who was ridiculed, spoke.

Are you Devlins Devil?

Unfortunately, its been long since Ive abandoned that damn nickname.

Well. Lets see if thats the case.

A cold air flowed between the two men. Being caught in the middle of a random battle of nerves, I became very troubled.

Aiden.

I pulled Aidens hem to tell him to stop. Aiden, who had been silent for a moment, nodded reluctantly.

Then-.

Get lost.

He told Enrique to get lost!

I told you to stop, I didnt tell you to fight!

I was so surprised that I froze in place. At this rate, war will break out.

If someone should get lost, it should be us getting lost, Aiden. This is Enriques home

Hehe. I smiled awkwardly and grabbed Aidens hand as if I was snatching it and dragged him towards the tea party.

I should go now. See you nexth time, Enrique!

Yes, Your Majesty. It was an honor to see you after a long time.

Fortunately, Enrique just let me go. But somehow, the smiling face looked different from usual, maybe I was mistaken?

All the way back to the tea party, I was nagging Aiden.

Aiden. How could you talk so recklessly like that then. What if Enrique got hurt?

I dont think he was.

Aiden is not Enrique. Enrique is such a soft child!

Like hell he is.

Even when we were almost back at the tea party, Aidens attitude was irreverent. There were times when he was out of control, but it was never as severe as today, so I was a little flustered.

Anyway, Enrique is a friend of mine, so dont speak harshly to him, okay?

This time, he didnt answer at all.

You dont treat me like an Emperor now, is that it

It was time to admire Aidens personality.

we dont even know where his dirty blood came from, right?

Huh?

The voice of a young girl caught my attention. It was a voice I heard from the tea party.

Whats dirty?

I somehow held in my breath and waited for the back story.

Actually, I dont like how he shows up on a day like today. A low life who doesnt know his standing attending a party held by Javier, a prestigious family.

Is that so?

Of course. Originally, he couldnt even set foot in here, but he got the status of a knight thanks to Her Majestys grace, right?

When I heard that far, I knew who the main character of the girls story was. And as if finishing it off, the young lady continued to speak as if mocking him.

Devlins devil, Devlins dog. Isnt it funny that someone who used to be a loyal dog on the Emperor of the enemy country went into asylum in Ermano? Its disgusting.

Ha. It was so ridiculous that I laughed. And whats even more absurd was that Aidens expression didnt change even though he was listening to someone cursing him. Its like someone who had gotten used to listening to it so much that its become dull.

Does that mean this isnt the first or second time?

It was as if something had hit my head hard.

why arent you saying anything?

?

Aiden.

Aiden reacted as if he didnt really know what the problem was. Its like he was listening to someone elses story.

As I stared at him, Aiden reluctantly spoke.

Even if I do, nothing will change.

And it doesnt matter if it changes or not.

But it mattered to me. I clenched my fists and my teeth.

How dare you talk behind Aidens back.

Even if you dont, I cant!

just watch. I will destroy them.

You dont have to.

Im going to.

I put Aidens hand away without hesitation and took a deep breath to calm down my excitement. Then, I smiled brightly and walked forward.

What kind of story are you talking about here?

Perhaps they were surprised about my unexpected appearance, the eyes of the young girls who gathered widened.

Lets see.

I quickly scanned the faces and identities of the girls. They were all young children of happy families. Among those girls, there was only one person who persisted on cursing Aiden. And soon, I knew who it was.

We were having a small chat.

Caught you, you bastard.

Just by hearing her voice, I could tell that the girl in front of me was the culprit. I didnt know her name, but she was definitely the only daughter of Count Miteron. I was also keeping an eye on Count Miteron because he was similar to Duke Javier.

I smiled brightly and asked Lady Miteron,

What kind of chatter? Let me know.

We were talking about the latest trends in ribbons.

Huh? Aiden isnt a ribbon though?!

When I asked with a bright smile, the faces of the group of young girls in front of me were flushed with blood. It was such a dramatic scene that I couldnt believe it, even though I saw it with my own eyes.

Since when did Aiden become a ribbon? I dont know anything about that?

That-.

What did you say? Dirty blood? Someone who doesnt know his place?

Its a misunderstanding, Your Majesty.

Huk. Are you suspecting that I heard wrong?!

I opened my eyes wide and covered my mouth with both hands. Then, the young lady of Miteron began to sweat and make excuses.

I, Its from rumors I heard. It is definitely not sincere. Please trust me, Your Majesty.

It seems that Lady Miteron trusts what other speak without doubt.

The atmosphere became irreparably chilly. The others, who were with Lady Miteron, took a step away from her. As if they had nothing to do with her.

I sighed.

I have to go now. Have a good time.

After waving my hand, I turned around without any regrets. Before I could take a few steps, someone called me.

Your Majesty!

It was Emily who called me. Emily apologized with a pale face.

I am ashamed of myself, Your Majesty. I am solely responsible for such an unfortunate occurance at my party. Please punish me.

Its not Emilys fault.

In fact, Emily was far away when the girls were talking, so she wasnt relevant. With a sad face, I muttered helplessly.

I dont deserve to be here, so I should go

Pardon?

A monarch is not an example of God. My knight doesnt deserve to be at this party, so I also dont deserve to be here

Maybe they were surprised by my force because everyone had a puzzled expression. Emily, having managed to come to her senses, spoke.

T-that is nonsense.

What nonsense So I should go back to the Imperial Palace. The low life should know his place

Aigoooo. So sad, so sad. It was when I had a sad expression on.

Lady Miteron. Please ask Her Majesty and Sir Aiden for forgiveness.

Emilys voice, as cold as frost, fell heavily over Lady Miterons head.

T-that. I apologize. I have caused concern to Your Majesty on Sir Aiden by passing on rumors.

An apology that was pressured by the young lady of Javier holding her leash.

Well, thats fine.

But I gladly accepted the apology. This was not forgiveness.

For bigger revenge, a bigger picture.

I chuckled.

***

The road back to the Imperial Palace.

I leaned on my chin and looked out the window dyed from the setting sun, then I turned my head to look at Aiden.

As if he had been looking at me the whole time, our eyes met immediately.

Just what are you thinking about?

Aiden was both easy and difficult.