“Lord Fotchen.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Thank you for helping.”
At the sincerity in my trembling voice, Adeus jolted.
“It couldn’t have been easy to step up, so I truly thank…”
“Enough.”
When I was about to give my thanks once more, Theodore cut off my words with displeased eyes.
“The floor is cold. Can you stand?”
When I nodded, Theodore grabbed my hand and helped me up easily. Although I was standing, I was still shocked, and my legs were wobbly. Theodore frowned while looking down at my pale face. Then, he spoke in a low voice to the Imperial knights who were cleaning up the mess.
“They’re only Imperial knights by name.”
All of these Imperial knights flinched and trembled.
“The Grand Duchess was almost hurt, and they couldn’t even apprehend a single assassin.”
As Theodore continued to rebuke them, they all bowed their heads as if receiving a punishment. The crowd that had been watching the parade was now all watching this situation. Since the Imperial knights were under Theodore’s jurisdiction, it normally wouldn’t have mattered, but right now they were “outside” and many people were witnessing it. Plus, the honor of the Imperial knights was the same as that of the Imperial family. What Theodore was doing right now was no different than tarnishing the Imperial family’s honor.
“I’m fine, so…”
“Sir Lapileon.”
When I was about to dissuade Theodore, a dignified voice cut off my words.
“When the assassin appeared, the Imperial knights protected me and my children. Isn’t it obvious that the Imperial knights would protect the Imperial family?”
The Emperor, who had gotten off of his horse, approached us. Because there were many eyes watching, he wore a benevolent smile.
“The Imperial knights are trained to protect members of the Imperial family in the first place. Earlier, they all raised their swords to protect us, so we should be complimenting them.”
“…Are you telling me to compliment them for not protecting my wife, who was right next to you?”
“Sir Lapileon.”
“What if my wife was hurt because of that, Your Majesty?”
Wordlessly, the Emperor gently crinkled his eyes. He was definitely smiling, but it was still strangely tense. I swallowed back some dry spit and turned my head. As I did so, I met the gaze of Dahlia, who was riding a carriage far away. “What,” “a,” “shame,” Dahlia mouthed toward me with a superficial laugh. Reina laughed next to her as if telling me, “Serves you right.”
‘Gosh, should I just…’
When I clenched my fists, the Emperor approached. Then, he stood still and stared at Theodore.
“Sir Lapileon.”
“Speak, Your Majesty.”
“There are many eyes watching, so let’s end things here.”
It was a clear command.
“This is a festival centring around the two of us. Lots of people came just to see us, so we can’t ruin it any more than we already have.”
“…Are you saying you want to continue the parade?”
“Of course.”
“Did you not hear what the assassin said just now?”
A combative silence pressed down heavily onto my shoulders.
“He definitely said he was a ‘rebel.’ His target is either Your Majesty or me. He definitely didn’t commit this crime alone, so there will be other members of the rebel forces watching this parade.”
“Hohoho.”
“There’s also the danger of assassination. The parade ends here. Let’s finish it and return home.”
“It seems you’re still far from it.”
The Emperor donned a silent smile. In his eyes, which contained no mirth, was a strong desire for power. Looking at that, I couldn’t help but shudder. The Emperor came close to Theodore and spoke quietly so only we could hear him.
“That’s why we need to continue the parade so they can see.”
“…”
“Look around you. All these people have gathered here to adore us. Right now, those rebel forces will look like the ‘assailants’ here.”
The Emperor couldn’t hold back his laughter.
“Do you know what a rebellion is? Rebellions are dependent on whether the public sentiment makes you an enemy or hero of the Empire. Do you think people really focus on whether they are doing something good or bad? What’s important is whether it’s good or bad for my own life.”
Theodore frowned.
“So, Sir Lapileon, we need to calmly continue the parade. Now, you should also go and prepare. You’ll be able to move again if you catch the horse that ran away and tie it back up. Until then…”
Before the Emperor could finish speaking, Theodore took me into his arms and picked me up. Surprised at suddenly being lifted into the air, I tightly wrapped my arms around Theodore’s neck. I could feel his sturdy arms and firm muscles with my whole body.
“P-People are staring…”
While lowering my face, which was red with embarrassment, I mumbled to try and get him to put me down. Theodore, who was calmly ignoring the Emperor, replied to me in a soft voice.
“When we get back, we should ask Uncle to check our condition. You must have been very startled today, so you should rest.”
Huh? I could feel Adeus, who was next to us, staring at Theodore.
“We’re going back?”
“Yeah,” Theodore responded to my question with a nonchalant nod.
‘Do you not see the scary eyes staring at you right now?’
I hadn’t turned my head, but it felt like I could still feel the prickling gaze.
“Sir Lapileon,” The Emperor called Theodore quietly so that others would not hear. However, Theodore outwardly ignored the Emperor this time. It was clearly deliberate. Turning his body, Theodore approached the horseman who had just managed to gather the scattered horses. Then, he quickly chose a single horse.
“I’ll borrow this horse.”
Just like last time, Theodore lifted me onto the horse. Since it was the second time, I wasn’t too surprised, but…
‘The Emperor’s eyes are too scary!’
I tried hard to duck my head and avoid the Emperor. Afterward, Theodore easily got on behind me and grabbed onto the horse’s reins.
“Lord Fotchen. I’ll talk to you about today’s events later. You can leave.”
“Yes, I’ll wait for you to call me, Your Excellency.”
After bowing in goodbye, Adeus turned around and disappeared into the crowd. Upon seeing that, Theodore slowly turned the horse away.
“Are we really leaving?”
“Well, do you want to stay?”
“No, but…”
“Then let’s go. I don’t want to become more of a spectacle than we already are, anyway.”
“But…”
The Emperor is looking at us with a gaze that says he’ll kill us if we leave!
“Even if I’m not here, the Imperial knights will protect the Imperial family, so it doesn’t matter.”
After finishing his words, Theodore bowed his head toward the Emperor. When the Emperor opened his mouth to say something, Theodore ignored him and urged the horse forward into a gallop.
