I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 190
As I received the sweet liquid, I tried to move, but the arms that held me tightened.
“Tess. Ah, Tess.”
I wanted to turn around and hug him, but the hold made it impossible to move.
Once again our lips met, and the much-awaited guest teased me by almost but not quite entering. Unable to bear it, I extended my tongue, prompting Tess’s to finally start moving.
“Umm…”
After a torturous kiss, Tess finally released me, and I immediately turned around to hug him.
Through the gaps in the window, white snowflakes infiltrated and touched us both.
“I love you, Euseniel.”
“I love you too, Tess.”
Tess asked with a smile as white as the snow.
“Shall we go see the snow when the world turns white? We could go outside the capital, to the plains before reaching Guana Mountain. It’s a breathtaking view.”
“That sounds nice.”
Anywhere would be pleasant if I’m with you.
I murmured softly, and Tess chuckled softly in response.
* * *
The snow-covered winter was very peaceful, like a reward for the turbulent life I had led so far.
At least until the spark of the new year was cast.
“Euel, my daughter.”
“Yes, mother.”
“I hear you’ve made a new boyfriend, is that true?”
I had just set down my teacup; luckily, if not I would have spilled it.
“Our family knows all about your boyfriend—Mom clearly disapproves.”
“Haha….”
“But these days, I heard my daughter is meeting a new boyfriend.”
Mother was being so unusual that I couldn’t understand it at first.
“For Mom, no matter who Euel sees, you can’t legally marry two men, can you? It’s common even among elves to stick to one partner.”
“Dad is completely against it.”
Father had been consistent in his views for over 20 years.
“Just stay with Dad, okay? My daughter.”
“So, who is this new man you’re seeing?”
I wasn’t surprised by the name my mother, father, and Gael mentioned all at once. It was just a reminder that I had been too slow in settling matters and it led to this situation.
And thus, a slight hint of regret lingered in me about whether I should have resolved matters sooner. That was until the same rumors reached my ears once again.
“Hello, Euel.”
When I attended the Hyacinth family’s book reading session, invited by Hanil, I encountered a familiar face.
“Yes, Arden. Nice to see you.”
A considerable time had passed, but Marquisate Gilber was doing well, viewing their control over magic stones as part of strengthening imperial power.
Now I could face Arden without needing to flee.
“I’m sorry.”
What now?
“I was unaware of your special relationship with Professor Blest, and I…”
A blushing Arden clasped his hands and apologized formally.
“…did I cause Euel any trouble by proposing?”
“Arden, Weathering and I aren’t in that kind of relationship.”
“But I heard it was a deep relationship—”
“I’m seeing someone else. Let me be clear.”
Arden looked puzzled.
“There was someone in my heart when you proposed. As I explained then, I was committed to continuing my studies and couldn’t make any special commitments with that person. And just to clarify, it’s not Weathering.”
“But when you were at Count Daidi’s estate, you both returned late together, didn’t you?”
“That was because of a monster extermination request from Count Jester. Weathering is a high-level wizard, and as you know, I’m skilled with the sword. We were there to help.”
Arden slowly nodded as if convinced.
“We moved with Count Jester’s soldiers, so there was no chance for what you’re imagining to happen.”
“Ah…”
Whatever he was thinking, his face flushed deeply.
“I apologize, Euel. I believed the rumors without questioning them.”
“Where did you hear that Weathering and I were in a special relationship?”
“We have a group of peers, friends from childhood. It was discussed there… If such baseless talk emerges again, I’ll make sure to correct the misunderstanding.”
“Thank you for saying that, Arden.”
As I spoke with Arden, the surrounding glances made my mood sink.
Having received an answer from Hanil that the gathering wasn’t exactly small, but certainly less populated than usual, it seemed that the limited number of attendees were all somewhat interested in me.
Men and women alike.
“But by the way, Euel.”
“Yes?”
“Is the person you have feelings for… the Emperor?”
Arden still had a knack for hitting the nerve.
I couldn’t immediately say yes, so I opened and closed my mouth several times, taking a long breath before finally nodding. Acknowledging my relationship with Tess still felt awkward.
“Yes.”
“Aha, I see. Actually, there were rumors that you were torn between the Emperor and the professor. I supported you and the professor, though.”
This was not something I could just overlook. I wanted to ask further, but it seemed he had already moved past this topic.
“Well, Euel.”
“Yes?”
“Even though I couldn’t become that special person for you, I’ll be rooting for your happiness.”
He hadn’t changed over time. He still valued my feelings.
“Thank you, Arden. I also hope you meet someone wonderful.”
I sincerely wished him well, hoping he would find a good person.
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