Chapter 136 What seemed to have changed had not changed (6)

TL: Zimming

Editor: bodyinthefreezer

Blake returned to the Amoria Palace in a bad mood.

Ancia.

When we went into the room, he broke the silence and called my name.

Yes, Blake?

Are His Majestys abs really that good?

N-no!

I shook my head hurriedly.

I just went to see the duel!

I just really wanted to see the best swordsmen in the Empire duelling each other.

I never dreamed that such an incredible scene would suddenly unfold there.

Blakes expression did not change despite the explanation.

I-I tried so hardbut I guess it wasnt enough.

No, its not that!

Blakes abs were excellent. However, compared to Tenstheon, it was slightly different.

Blake abs looked like that of a model.

He had a lean and slender figure paired with his abs. It was aesthetically perfect, like a painting or a sculpture.

On the other hand, Tenstheons abs looked like that of a gold medallist professional athlete.

Blake and His Majestys abs are different!

Whats the difference?

S-so

How could I explain the difference?

I couldnt think of anything.

Uh, His Majestys abs are like gold

What?!

Blakes expression crumpled.

No, I mean!

Whats wrong with you, Ancia?

I feel like I was just talking nonsense.

Its as good as gold?

No, no, the best!

I wanted to say that he had abs like an athlete, but before I could say it, Blake said, His Majestys abs are number one in the world?

H-Hes not number one in the world

Come to think of it, there was no concept of athlete in this world.

The more I spoke, the more I felt like I was saying the wrong thing.

Blake stood up just as I was about to explain.

Blake, where are you going?

Phillion Palace.

Why?

If I beat him, Ill be number one.

Blake said as he firmly grasped the sword on his waist.

It seems he had misunderstood what I had said. I grabbed onto him in a hurry.

Blake is in the first place too!

What first place?

youre first place for being beautiful!

I couldnt find a better alternative for the word model.

But Blake was silent. I quickly added, And to me, youre in the first place!

At that moment, he loosened the grip on the sword.

I didnt miss the opportunity and held Blakes hand. I took his hands and blew raspberries on it.

Ancia, what are you doing?

Blowing raspberries.

Seeing me laugh, Blake also ended up laughing in response.

Ancia, theres something wrong.

Huh?

You should do it here.

He pointed at his stomach. He remembered that I used to blow raspberries on his stomach when we were young.

His baby belly had now turned into the belly of a man.

well, that was when you were a kid.

Then should I do it for you?

Huh?

Before I could say anything, Blake blew in my ears.

He rubbed my earlobes and took off my coat.

Blakes lips touched my neck and started going lower. He passed down my shoulder and came down to my arms, wrists, and palms.

He wasnt blowing raspberries, but I didnt point it out.

Every time he kissed me, my body temperature seemed to rise.

***

Father.

Tenstheon was looking at the documents when I arrived at his study. He smiled when he looked up and saw me.

Ancia, youre here?

Were you busy?

No, Im just taking a break.

Contrary to what he said, there was a pile of documents in front of his desk.

I can wait if youre busy.

No, I was just about to go and see you.

Me?

I heard you came here yesterday.

Cough.

I was so embarrassed when I thought about what happened yesterday.

Are you alright?

Oh, yes. I didnt come for any important matters yesterday. I just came and went back because I thought you were busy.

Theres nothing more important than you.

He handed me a glass of water.

Thank you.

I drank the water in a hurry. Tenstheon patted me on the shoulder when I finally calmed down.

We left the study and went to the greenhouse in the Palace. It was also the place where Tenstheon had invited me for the first time.

On the white table, there were many fascinating desserts laid out.

Tell me if its not enough.

No, theres so much.

First, I tried a strawberry shortcake that had red strawberries on it.

Is it tasty?

Tenstheon asked me while smiling.

Yes, father. You try it too.

Alright.

Before I said that, he hadnt touched anything other than the black tea. He still wasnt a fan of sweet things.

While I was gone, his relationship with Blake had become more awkward. My heart felt heavy because I knew it was because of me.

Blake dropped by for a while before.

Really?

Now that I was back, was Blake trying to fix his relationship with his father?

As soon as I was about to be relieved, Tenstheon added, He said we should duel.

I think you should refuse him.

Why?

Itd be dangerous for Tenstheon if they decided to duel.

Blakes intention to duel was not purely to improve his skills and to observe Tenstheons skills.

But I couldnt tell him the truth.

I dont want to see both of you fight.

Its just a friendly duel.

But you both are going to use real swords. Its dangerous.

okay, I wont do it if you dont want it.

A nostalgic expression suddenly appeared on Tenstheons face, perhaps he was reminded of the time when he taught Blake swordsmanship.

I smiled brightly to warm up the atmosphere.

Please do it after you become closer.

okay.

When would their relationship get better?

I hoped Blake would call Tenstheon father soon. Tenstheon would be very happy then.

Youre going to Sir Rons wedding, arent you?

Ron would be getting married the day after tomorrow.

He claimed to be single until his late 30s, saying he was already married to the Empire, but he suddenly announced his marriage after reuniting with a friend this year.

Thanks to his marriage, the knights were all in a festive mood.

Of course.

Is Sir Collin coming too?

No, he said hed be working.

So hes still a workaholic.

Not only was it a hot topic among the knights, all of the aristocratic society was also in a buzz because of Rons marriage.

As soon as I was about to take my leave and let him rest, Tenstheon added, Shannon and Edon said they wouldnt attend and stay behind to protect the Palace instead.

Shannon was the only woman to lead the Knights of the Imperial Palace. She was also respected by many young knights, including Diana.

It was plausible for her to not like weddings because it was a formal event, but I was surprised by Edons choice.

Sir Edon too?

They know that theyre the next targets.

Target? Ah

I understood what Tenstheon said and gave a nod.

Sir Rons marriage was one of the hottest topics these days.

I often heard this kind of chatter in the parties. The excellent knights have to get married quickly or itll be a waste of their skills. If theyre really thinking for the Empire, then they should have a child who inherits their skills.

Now that Ron, who was so adamant to not get married, really got married, their target would naturally change.

Collin, Edon and Shannon were the most likely candidates.

It was obvious that people would constantly come over to them during the party and ask, Now that Sir Ron is married, dont you want to get married too?

Thinking about it, I could understand their unwillingness to attend the wedding.

Then will Sir Collin really stay here?

No, Ill take him.

Tenstheon said firmly.

But why?

I didnt think he had to take him since Sir Collin had such a clear reason.

Perhaps since Sir Collin was the Emperors lieutenant, it wouldnt look good for him to not come when the Emperor himself came.

I see

I tried to guess the reason, but then, Tenstheon said, If Collin isnt there, then Ill become the topic of conversation of those cheeky people. Ill definitely take all three of them with me.