I’m A Doll, But The Tyrant Is Obsessed With Me - Chapter 120

Mason (2)

Seeing Declan and Erica talking to each other, Mason sneaked up to Stella.

“Khm.”

“Ah, Chancellor.”

She turned around as she heard him clear his throat and smiled brightly. Lately, whenever he saw that bright smile, his heart throbbed.

Since she became the savior’s handmaid, she became like a fresh blooming lily soaked in water. Even though he was relieved by her appearance, his mouth was dry because he was not the only one who saw such a beautiful figure.

“How are you feeling?”

“It’s good. Actually, I was so excited that I couldn’t sleep last night, but I’m not tired at all.”

Stella smiled shyly.

In anticipation of her visit to the temple on the zodiac, she had her cheeks dyed nicely. It was good to see her, and a smile formed on Mason’s lips as well.

“The Imperial Guards will go together, but… even if the Savior is in danger, don’t step out.”

“I have a duty to protect the savior.”

“The Savior will be protected by Kefiena and the knights of the imperial guard.”

“I’m a Kefiena, too.”

As her eyes, which had always been soft, shone resolutely as if she could never yield, Mason pressed his lips together.

For the first time, he didn’t like the Savior’s presence.

Still, he kept quiet since he knew what the savior was for her.

“I’m just worried about Lady Este, so please come back safely.”

He was just expressing his own feelings, albeit in a small way.

“I will.”

Stella hurriedly greeted him, her cheeks dyed like peaches, and strode over to Erica’s side.

Following her, Mason stepped forward and looked over the waiting knights in turn. They were Declan’s elite knights that Declan himself, who was meticulous when it came to Erica’s matter, had chosen after much thought.

Even so, why was he not relieved?

It may have been because of Duke Otien, who dared to ask for an audience today and tied Declan’s feet.

‘…Should I deal with the Duke as soon as possible?’

It’d been a long-cherished dream since meeting Declan, but he felt more impatient now.

‘If the Savior is safe, Stella will be safe as well.’

While Mason recalled Shadow’s recent report, Erica and Stella got on the carriage.

Stella, seated in the chair, glanced out the window and saw him with a slight smile. It was so adorable that he couldn’t take his eyes off the carriage until it was out of sight.

* * *

“The Savior passed through the front gate.”

Upon Noah’s report, Declan and Mason, who had just returned from the audience room, hurriedly went out to the front of the main palace.

For a while, he was relieved that they had come back safely.

The carriage was nowhere to be found, and the moment he saw Stella riding a horse with the knight, his body froze. He couldn’t get ahead of the Emperor, so he forcibly held on to his feet that were about to run away and quickly checked Stella’s condition with his eyes.

She didn’t seem to be hurt from the outside.

He knew that he had to look at the guards’ condition first of all and investigate the circumstances, but he could only have her in his eyes. Mason waited patiently for Declan to check Erica’s condition.

Eventually, when it was confirmed that Erica was safe, he headed straight for Stella.

“Are you okay?”

As he asked that question, he grabbed her delicate shoulder and looked around to see if there were any injuries.

“Haa…”

After confirming that there were no wounds on Stella’s body, he lowered his head and let out a deep breath. Her shoulder was so thin that it seemed that the slightest force under his hand would crush it.

At that moment, he felt a gentle touch on his hand.

“I’m okay.”

Pat, pat.

As if to reassure him, she held his hand that was on her shoulder. His heart, which had been beating anxiously at that little gesture of hers, gradually found its own pace. He barely raised his head to face her and saw the golden eyes looking anxiously at him.

Who was worrying about who right now?

“What happened?”

“There was an explosion.”

When he heard that there had been an explosion, even though it was already past, his breath seemed to be choked. What would have happened if God’s protection was not there?

His shudders drooped as he was terrified just thinking about it.

“Many knights were injured. Some even died…”

Stella’s eyes blurred, and water formed around her eyes.

…His heart ached for her, and he reached out and gently rubbed her eyes.

Mason, who had been pondering Stella’s words for a moment, glanced around with a feeling of discomfort. Declan and Erica had already left, and the knights of the imperial guard gathered in one place.

The same number of people as at departure and none of them were injured. However, their armor was dented and stained with red traces of blood and soil.

“The Savior saved them.”

Noticing what his gaze was looking for, Stella added softly.

Mason couldn’t open his mouth to the divine power that he couldn’t even dare to imagine. As Declan ordered him to investigate the records of the temple, he could not believe all of them. He thought it was just a myth, exaggerated as it was handed down.

“It’s something only the Savior can do.”

Her words made his head go cold again.

‘…Yes, no matter how much divine power they have, not all priests can save people.’

“That’s why we must protect her. She is the one who will save many people.”

Even though her tone was calm, there was awe in his voice for Erica.

“I’m proud to be a Kefiena. I want to support the Savior until the end of my life.”

Facing her straight, hard gaze toward him, Mason realized that this was the answer to the words before leaving for the temple. If the Chancellor wanted to go further in his relationship with the Princess, he had to respect her own identity and mission.

Standing blankly, Mason laughed inside.

Like a single lily, her neat and tender appearance was pitiful and lovely, and his heart was drawn to her. However, it was also so beautiful to have clear beliefs. Even if he fell for her, it seemed like he had fallen firmly into her.

“I want to support you on your way.”

Mason gently took Stella’s hand and kissed the back of her hand with respect.

As a smile brighter than the noonday sun spread across her lips, he couldn’t take his eyes off her for a moment. After a while, Mason, who had taken Stella to the palace, stopped in front of her door. He hesitated for a moment before he gently pulled her into his arms.

“I’m glad you came back safely.”

Having finally told her what he wanted to say, he slowly pulled away.

“I’m back.”

A smile of joy formed on Mason’s lips at her belated greeting.

* * *

Declan called Mason to give one last check before leaving for Hessarion Palace.

“Don’t worry about the palace, and go.”

Putting down the pen, Declan stared blankly at Mason, who answered confidently.

“Is there anything on your mind?”

“You.”

‘What the hell does that mean?’

As Mason thought, widening his eyes, Declan let out a short sigh before he continued his words.

“It’s not that you don’t trust me. What’s the matter with you?”

What is he going to do?”

“What are you talking about?”

Declan’s pitiful glance flew as Mason laughed. Even though he opened his mouth to protest the sudden words, but Declan was quicker.

“The Princess. Are you going to leave her like this?”

Mason’s gaping mouth was closed.

“The Princess is now the Empress’ handmaid. When we return from Hessarion, she will be entrusted as the chief handmaid.”

“….”

“The chief handmaid doesn’t have any title.”

The Empress’s handmaids must be nobles. Needless to say, the chief handmaid would have to lead.

If Stella was someone of a noble family belonging to the Empire, she did not need to be titled separately. But she was a foreigner, and she gave up her princess status by becoming Erica’s handmaid. That was why she should be given the same title as Countess or Marquis, even if she was not married.

“I will get a definitive answer from the Ielro Kingdom. The Princess is no longer a member of Ielro but a member of our Empire.”

“Are you going to make an offer in exchange for a peace treaty?”

It was too weak a condition to pay for the peace treaty with the Ielro Kingdom.

“Erica wants it.”

Declan added slightly as if he knew what he was thinking. That one word explained everything, so Mason nodded his head.

“From now on, I will not allow Ielro to lay a finger on the princess. She will truly be free.”

“That’s good.”

“Is that all?”

Declan rested his chin on his chin and stared at him sharply. He didn’t know what Declan meant by asking that, but he couldn’t answer right away.

“If you stay like that, you’ll lose her.”

“…I’m trying.”

The sound of Declan clicking his tongue softly was heard. After realizing his feelings, Mason increased his chances of meeting with Stella, using various excuses. Recently, he visited whenever he had free time and had tea time together.

“Where did all the spirit of yelling at me while blocking me go?”

“No, I’ll do something when we have time. Both of us are busy and can’t even leave the Imperial Palace.”

“Isn’t that why I’m leaving the Princess behind?”

Mason’s eyes widened at the sudden words.

“Don’t waste Erica’s consideration. Giving a title is troublesome.”

Declan sighed softly, then looked down at the papers again. In the meanwhile, the corner of Mason’s mouth, which had been absent-minded, went up slightly.