I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 206
“Things aren’t great, but still, congratulations on your engagement.”
Ruby said as she visited Hardland’s residence out of the blue, offering a brilliantly polished diamond necklace that sparkled as she held it out.
“I often see Euel at gatherings lately, but it seems we’ve never really talked.”
She said, nervously fiddling with her blue hair.
“Am I still considered Euel’s close friend”
“Of course, Ruby. I’m sorry I haven’t reached out sooner.”
Social gatherings beyond the regular meetings like Glory Eagle had been temporarily suspended.
While informal meetings among close acquaintances were uncontrollable, the capital had become notably quiet.
Gael was at the academy, so it was just Ruby and me. She opened up as soon as she sat down.
“Honestly, I was hoping things would work out between Euel and the senior wizard.”
“Is that why you pulled out of Count Jester’s estate?”
“Yes. I guess the Emperor… well, he doesn’t exactly appeal to me. Handsome, but…”
Gael isn’t fond of Tess, but not to the extent Ruby is. Perhaps it’s because Ruby’s elf traits are more pronounced.
“Anyway, this is a gift to celebrate. Remember the mirror I mentioned? It’s crafted similarly, and while valuable as a diamond, it also purifies the heart.”
“The one that reflects oneself cannot be harmful, right?”
I recalled Ruby mentioning this before and she smiled.
“Yes. It helps to dispel negative thoughts and maintain one’s convictions.”
Was it intended to ward off Tess?
I dared not ask.
Ruby stood up, mentioning she had to go to the palace. I noticed she wore training clothes under her cloak, not a dress.
“To the palace?”
“I took the Imperial Guard’s entrance exam recently. They told me my uniform is ready, so I need to pick it up.”
“You passed? Congratulations, Ruby!”
As I clapped, Ruby, a bit embarrassed, touched her hair and spoke determinedly.
“With times as they are, I want to be useful to the nation.”
“Did your Father not oppose?”
“He did, but I took the exam secretly.”
Ah, that’s a relief. It’s not just my father who opposes.
The attitudes of Duke Bonart and Ethyl seemed so firm that I wondered if our family was overly sensitive.
“It must be urgent if even a newcomer like me is being deployed.”
“Oh Ruby, isn’t this all happening a bit too fast?”
“It’s okay. I’ve dealt with many beasts before.”
“Still, I worry about you for… other reasons.”
I confessed, looking at her intently before speaking.
“You tense up at the sight of beasts, Ruby. The battlefield is filled with malice; are you sure you can handle that?”
“I have to.”
I have no choice but to, she shrugged her shoulders.
“I have to go to the palace too, let’s go together.”
We traveled together to the palace, but our paths split once we arrived. Ruby headed to the knights’ quarters, and I went to Hill Palace.
“Take care, Euel.”
“You too, Ruby.”
Hill Palace was bustling, and Tess’s office was crowded. I ended up working from the bedroom, and as Tess became busier, I took on more responsibilities to keep track of palace affairs. Before I knew it, the day had turned to night.
“Ruby must be finishing up by now.”
Should I ask her how her training went today?
However, just as I was about to head towards the knights’ quarters, I overheard a familiar voice that detailed my plans.
“I heard you’re being deployed.”
I quickly hid behind a nearby tree as Aurin’s agitated voice reached me. Fortunately, the dark color of my cloak camouflaged well with the surroundings.
Moreover, there was a glowing magic stone near Ethy and Aurin so Ethy’s expression was clear.
“How did you know about that…?”
“Is it important how I know? What matters is that you’re going to war.”
Only those involved had access to the selected knights’ list, so Ethyl quickly figured out who could have told Aurin.
“Was it Euel?”
“If Euel hadn’t told me, were you planning to keep this from me until the end?”
“It was bound to come out eventually. There was no need to say anything sooner.”
From my hiding spot, I could see Ethyl’s face and Aurin’s back. Aurin’s shoulders shook for a moment.
“How can you be so cold?”
A sharp nuance.
“How can you go without saying a word to me?”
“Hey, Aurin, I.”
“What do you even think of me?”
Aurin’s tone grew increasingly intense. Ethyl seemed to be trying to calm her down, but Aurin spoke faster.
“Have you ever considered why I always try to talk to you whenever I see you, why I ask why you don’t call me by my name?”
“…”
“Why I tried to create a connection with you?”
For over a decade, Aurin’s unrequited love had been building up, and now it burst forth.
“You really didn’t realize why I asked you to be my partner?”
“…huh.”
Ethyl admitted, hesitantly but politely, as if his common sense had been buried deep underground.
“I like you.”
Ethyl was momentarily silent. He looked utterly stupid, yet it wasn’t a moment for laughter.
“I like you, you stupid Ethyl Bonart!”
Ethyl blinked rapidly, still trying to catch up with the situation. Aurin continued without pause.
“If you die, I’ll immediately start looking for a new husband.”
She said in her usual calm tone.
“Aurin?”
“So, if you don’t want to see that happen, make sure you come back alive.”
Without waiting for a response, Aurin turned away. Her face was pale, and a clear stream of tears flowed down her cheeks.
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