Always a Happy Ending (8)

“The Duke of Bron was a man who will remain so. But I’m saying this because I’m not the one who’s going to back down for that reason. If Cardel’s mind takes advantage of weakness and digs more persistently.”

Julian spoke as if he were chewing. This was also hard to admit, but Cardel met Duke Bron first, and liked him longer.

If the Duke’s side clung to her in a way that he loved her with all his heart and could not give up, the Emperor would have fought tooth and nail until either of them died.

His expression became even more grim as he remembered Duke Bronn’s shiny top.

“There’s no chance of sending Cardel back to the Duke’s arms, and don’t even think about approaching him. I’m threatening him, so he did it without hesitation. She even made a vow in front of the witness that he would never appear in front of her again.”

“Good for you.”

“No, it’s weird. I was determined to turn the Duke into an enemy. I don’t know if it’s worth more…”

Would the greedy easily let the woman go who completely stole the Emperor’s heart? Rather, wouldn’t the person who uses her be more valuable than the one who throws her away? If one really tried to do that, they wouldn’t have let it go.

“And there’s a strange rumor going around these days.”

“Strange rumors?”

“I mean, this is strictly confidential.”

“Oh, Your Majesty!”

It was a moment when he whispered as if he was telling a secret story. Suddenly a cheerful voice interrupted.

Julian seemed to have forgotten what he was trying to say because of the Cardel’s sudden appearance in the middle of his speech.

She called the Emperor in a friendly, loving tone, and as soon as he heard her, he looked back and smiled brightly. It looked like a trained dog who heard the owner calling. Aiden stared at the two with a little elation.

It’s a look that means they won’t bother Vivian anymore.

“What brings you here?”

“The flowers have bloomed beautifully, so I was thinking of going for a walk in the garden, but I’m seeing you in a place like this.”

Cardel looked so bright and happy that he could hardly find her former discouraged appearance. It was an indication of how much Julian has tried so far.

At that time, Cardel’s gaze reached a man who was all black.

“Oh, there was the Grand Duke, too. I’m sorry to interrupt you. You two can talk.”

She was frightened and said in a bewildered voice.

That’s usually the reaction when confronted by the Black Grand Duke.

But Cardel soon tried to shake off fear, recalling that Aiden was the brother of her loved one and Vivian’s fiancé. She smiled at the air.

Despite Cardel’s flowery smile, which melts away regardless of gender or age, he replied with a slight nodding with a cold wind expression.

It was an attitude that was disrespectful, but no one here would argue that. Rather, they seemed to be immersed in their own world and didn’t care a bit.

“See you later, Your Majesty.”

The shyly flushed blonde kissed the emperor on the cheek and left the garden. Every time she walked, her pink skirt flew in the spring breeze.

Julian stared enchanted at the back of Cardel walking with gentle steps, but regained consciousness only after she completely disappeared. He didn’t look bright before, but he looked more frozen than usual.

“Sigh.”

Julian let out his low breath and ripped off the rose petals that bloomed next to him for no reason. Then, he started to stare up at the petals falling from the sky in ecstasy.

He didn’t know what he meant, but he was shouting with his whole body that he was in love like spring. In fact, he didn’t seem to be aware of what he was doing.

Aiden thought this was a little too much. No matter how much he was looking after his back, it was hard to go around looking like an idiot. Even if you lack some ability, you should at least be a perfect emperor on the surface. Wouldn’t it be a big deal if there was a rumour that the Emperor was out of his mind when he was playing with love?

“Your Majesty.”

With his stern voice, Julian finally regained consciousness.

“Well, We didn’t look good.”

“I’m glad you know that.”

“……”

Was he so unseemly that he could answer at once?

“I stopped by for a cup of tea, so I’m leaving.”

Was he so unseemly that he just wanted to go away? Julian’s face heated up at the thought of being seen by his beloved brother. The Emperor tried to hold onto his loose mouth and cooled his red face with the back of his hand.

How much she must have been doing, Julian brought back to the topic of conversation what she couldn’t say because of her sudden appearance.

“Don’t do that. Just listen. Rumours have spread in the dark that the Duke of Bron is making a disturbing move. There is no physical evidence to say that the rumour that they are he’s to conspire against those who share the will is false, but that there is evidence…”

But when he looked up, Aiden had already moved away.