I Grabbed the Tyrant’s Heart - Chapter 97

“It looks like you haven’t even eaten dinner, would you like a quick meal?”

“That’s great.”

Maybe she was really hungry, Aurin didn’t refuse.

The chef quickly sent a simple but nutritious food to my study, and the friend sitting across from me focused on eating for a while.

She seemed to have something to say, but I did not rush.

“The cake is delicious.”

Aurin ate all the sweet desserts she didn’t normally eat.

“Can you send it to Xuen later?”

“I brought it from the imperial palace.”

It was the skill of the dessert chef specially hired by Tess, who knows that I am not very fond of sweets.

Aurin laughed bitterly.

“I envy you, Euel.”

Aurin, unaware that my room is always under a soundproofing spell, lowered her voice.

“There is someone who likes you unchangingly.”

I seem to know what Aurin wanted to say.

“You see, Euel.”

“Yes.”

“This necklace, Ethyl gave it to me.”

“Oh, really? You wore it at the party Count Daidi hosted, right? It matches you well.”

A necklace made of platinum with a circular ruby pendant attached to it was similar to Aurin in its elegance.

“The man who seemed like a wall congratulated me on becoming Marquis Xuen.”

“Ethyl? What is going on?”

When I laughed pretending to be surprised, Aurin also smiled brightly.

“It seems like he often goes to parties these days, right? Isn’t it?”

“That’s right. Since I’ve just inherited the Marquisate and I’m still unstable, he himself offered to help.”

I heard it all, but I nodded my head pretending to hear it for the first time.

“Certainly I get a lot of help from Bonart’s name.”

“That’s a relief. I was worried that I wouldn’t be of much help.”

“What are you talking about, Euel? How much help have I got from you?”

Oh, I wondered if Aurin was smiling, but it blurred in an instant.

“… But if we keep going together, my heart won’t give up.”

My smile hardened at the voice that was close to a whisper.

“Is it right to cut it off?”

The scarlet eyes tinged with red light were full of pain and regret.

“Aurin.”

I called my friend’s name, but I couldn’t continue my words.

I remembered Ethyl, whom I saw in the palace a few days ago. I went to greet Count Guard, and I happened to see his face full of happiness.

Aurin clenches both fists, and she looks like she’s about to cry at any moment.

I need to add one more thing I need to do. Helping my friends date.

I have to push Aurin’s back, who has a lot of regrets.

“He must have a life of his own either. He must be busy with the Knights or taking the successor education.”

“That’s right.”

“And it’s also the time when marriage proposals will come in…….”

Aurin bit her lips lightly with her white teeth.

“So maybe it’s better to just keep my distance?”

“No.”

Aurin’s eyes shake at my denial.

“You should use him as much as you can.”

“Huh….”

“You can’t just leave the guy who made you suffer.”

“But…….”

What can I say to Aurin, who rarely loses her words.

“Aurin Xuen.”

When I called her by her last name, Aurin became slightly nervous.

“What do you want to do?”

“…….”

“You are persistent in what you are interested in. Isn’t that why you were able to come to where you are now?”

Aurin was silent and focused on my words.

“My father told me that you are more knowledgeable in trade than he expected, so it seems like you will only need to go through being a secretary for a while.”

“Really?”

My friend, whose face brightened in an instant, urged me to say more.

“He wanted you to take the upcoming scribe exam. Of course, since you have a title, you can be appointed right away without taking the exam, but he said that it would be better if you took the exam. That way, even if you get promoted quickly, there will be no gossip.”

… The conclusion was ‘As expected of my daughter’s friend!’, but let’s leave this out.

Aurin’s eyes sparkled.

“If Ethyl helps you here, work him hard. From what I’ve heard, it sounds like he volunteers to help you. Right?”

“It is.”

“Is Ethyl the kind to do things he didn’t want to do? He does all he wants to do, so make yourself comfortable.”

“Well…….”

“If it bothers you, then tell him off. Wouldn’t it be better than forcibly cutting him off, when you’re mentally not ready?”

After thinking for a moment, Aurin nodded her head slowly.

“Okay, now I just have to focus on work. Even Ethyl would think it was for work.”

It seems that Aurin will not push Ethyl away for the time being, but I still don’t know yet whether things will work out the way I intended.

“Thank you for listening, Euel.”

“What is it between us?”

Aurin left, more relieved than when she had arrived. I sat at the desk, but I couldn’t concentrate on anything.

Let’s admit it. Love isn’t easy.

“I can’t even do my job properly…….”

I laughed.

* * *

The day of the Emperor’s birthday banquet, which was a topic of utmost interest, was finally here.

The banquet started in the evening. The road from the main gate of the imperial castle to the central hall where the banquet was held was decorated with luminous stones. It was made as dense as a wall, making it look like broad daylight.

The interior decoration was so bright and luxurious that it made you forget the dark aura of the imperial palace.

The central hall was quite crowded, even though people who hadn’t made their debutante were not allowed to attend.

“Euel!”

Ruby, whom I became quite close to, came up to me as she had come before my family.

“It’s nice to see you after a long time!”

She grabbed my hand and shook it.

“Yes, Ruby. Long time no see.”

“Is this Euel and Gael’s new friend?”

Suddenly, Father popped up and stared at Ruby, who nodded with her characteristic bright smile. Father nodded his head with a satisfied face.

Meanwhile, the Emperor entered.

Wearing my favorite suit, Tess appeared confidently and gracefully. Crossing the great hall he was like a wild beast.

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