I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 86
“But I didn’t understand the punishment for Lili Xuen. It seemed like nothing more than playing house, swept away by love.”
“I see.”
“I understand that Your Majesty called back Hardland. I’ve always thought that the previous Emperor’s treatment was too much. But preferential treatment is a different story.”
It is natural for my family while others say it is a privilege. At least I was able to say ‘I see,’ at the Count’s calm tone and move on.
“When Duke Hardland took up the position of Minister of the Internal Affairs, there were a lot of talks.”
“Did my father subdue those who personally opposed him with his skills?”
“Uhahaha, Lady, do you have a grudge?”
“No way.”
When I shrugged my shoulders, the Count laughed again.
“By the way, you like His Majesty, but you want to send your daughter to Ethyl.”
“Is that a question too?”
“No. What I wanted to hear from the Count is the end of the previous two questions.”
“I see.”
The Count, who was silent for a moment, answered in an even quieter voice.
“I am someone who values my children.”
His gaze briefly turned to Aurin and then came back.
“It’s a lie if I said I don’t want the position of Empress, but it’s not worth giving up my daughter’s life.”
“…….”
“More than anything else, it’s not the kind of place I could have if I wanted to.”
The Count’s gaze was fixed on me. He knew exactly who the Emperor wanted to make as Empress.
“I know my place well.”
Count Daidi straightened his face and wetted his mouth with wine. Contrary to his rough appearance, he was actually a very sharp person.
“You are the only person who can hold His Majesty’s leash, I should have realized right away that Lady is amazing. Hahahaha!”
After a good laugh, he invited me to enjoy the party and headed to the other guests.
I can say it without hesitation, that Count Daidi isn’t that bad. Although he has strong ideas of his own, he is cool and straightforward.
By the way, playing house, was it me who made Tess like that?
I realized that I am not the only one on my side and that not everything is going the way I expected.
Looking around, Aurin and Ethyl were chatting with Weathering and Arden.
“How has everyone been?”
“Euel.”
Weathering had a rare wrinkle between his brows.
“You’re not hurt anywhere?”
“Of course.”
I was about to say something more when Ethyl interrupted.
“Did you go easy on me when we sparred?”
“You’ve been quite helpful too, Ethyl.”
As I sipped my wine leisurely, Ethyl looked resentful. Actually, I was just roughing it up a while ago, my friend.
Aurin and Arden talked nonstop, apparently having similar interests. Weathering intervened from time to time. Ethyl stared at Arden warily.
I was busy watching them and holding back a laugh.
“Excuse me, Lady Hardland.”
The person hesitantly approached me for a while, then finally spoke.
It was Ruby Daidi. Contrary to her name, she had blue hair and her cheeks were blushing shyly.
“Yes.”
“You’re amazing!”
Pushing her upper body out, she caught my hand with twinkling eyes.
“I also learned swordsmanship from my father, but I’ve never seen someone so perfect!”
The party, including me, stared at the woman who suddenly appeared. Maybe not realizing this, Ruby Daidi kept praising me.
“You’re really cool, Lady.”
It was such a clear compliment and feeling that even if I wasn’t a pure-blooded elf like Mother, I could recognize it at once.
“Well, can I request sparring later? My skills are insignificant, so it would be more like teaching than sparring.”
“Hmm… that’s fine.”
“Thank you!”
Ruby Daidi was overjoyed and bowed her head. Her subtly different appearance definitely reminded me of Gael.
“Compete with me again, Euel.”, Ethyl said.
“Do you have time for that?”
I deliberately widened my eyes and spoke exaggeratedly, causing Ethyl’s earlobes to turn slightly red.
“… It will be difficult for a while.”
“Tell me later when you have the time. By the way, Aurin, the necklace suits you well.”
“Thank you, Euel. I got it as a gift, but I’m glad it suits me well.”
The fact that Ethyl’s neck turned red must mean that it had been a gift from Ethyl.
Aurin’s heart still seemed unknown, but the party was very pleasant.
When I left the party, Count Daidi came out to see me off. Beside him, two adult men were holding something.
“It is my gift.”
What the Count gave me was the sword I had used earlier.
“To commemorate me and Lady becoming friends.”
I was surprised, so I thought for a while about what to answer.
“No? Was I the only one who became your friend?”
I took a step back at the too loud voice.
“If the Count lowers his voice a little, I think we can become friends.”
“Hahahahaha, I see.”
“Anyway, I think this sword is too much for me, Count.”
“What are you talking about? Someone who can use it should have it.”
The Count, who gave no room for refusal, held out his hand, and when I held it, he strengthened it more.
“Go carefully, Lady.”
“See you next time.”
The party, which had a noisy start, ended not too badly.
* * *
“Euseniel, Euseniel.”
“What’s wrong, Tess.”
“Finish what you were doing today and hang out with me for a bit.”
“I’m busy.”
It really was. I ran out of time as I was working on three projects at the same time.
“Can’t you stop reading and look at me?”
“I have to work hard to be smarter than you.”
“Really?”, Tess looked appalled.
“I am stupid, Euseniel. So stop reading… No, you said you hate stupid things.”
“Yes, I like being smart. So don’t think about anything strange again.”
Tess’ trembling hands calmed down as I stroked his black hair.
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