Chapter 53

***

“What’s the schedule for tonight?” Cahir asked Derek as he buried his nose into a report.

“Tonight you must make the final review of the construction plan of the temple.”

Handling the construction of the Temple of Berlios was originally Rosaline’s job. However, due to the unexpected empress selection, the project was passed onto Derek, whose suggestion to proceed after Rosaline returned was rejected.

“Are you going to make the empress do work? You’ve grown bold.”

For Cahir, it was obvious that Rosaline would win, and Derek had no intention of refuting that. 

‘I’m the one who’s getting tired here.’

He took over the job and completed a report on the construction with the help of administrators. After completing the purchase of land, the architect was also selected. The construction proposal was finalized and the schedule was adjusted. Construction was supposed to begin as soon as the emperor’s seal was stamped, but he hadn’t gotten around to doing that yet.

It wasn’t on purpose, though, he was just busy. Recently, in addition to the reports Cahir usually received, reports about Rosaline also started piling up on his desk. 

Dating, apparently, involved time and doing various new things.

Still, Derek had to get the seal now. Fortunately, there was nothing else to review that night…

“It’s a masquerade ball, right?”

He’d spoken too soon.

“Are you planning on going?” Derek sighed. 

“Rosaline is going to dance, too.”

“Of course. It’s a ball to check their dancing prowess.”

“I heard other young noblemen were invited too.”

“Because the ladies need dancing partners,” Derek said, gritting his teeth in annoyance.

“I’ll attend the ball later, then.”

“Your Majesty, there’ll be chaos…” He waved the papers he was holding into Cahir’s face.

“Derek, do you want me to just sit here and look at reports?”

“You’re great even if you’re just sitting down.”

“I appreciate the compliment, but I know flattery when I see it. Shouldn’t a good secretary wish for his employer’s happiness?”

“You make it sound like you’ll be unhappy if you don’t dance with Secretary Rosaline.”

“That’s correct.”

“Yes, that’s… What?”

Cahir had gone crazy. He would never have said that so bluntly without having gone crazy first. That Cahir, who didn’t even shed a tear when the previous emperor died, was claiming that he would be unhappy without dancing with Rosaline.

“Ah, as expected, Your Majesty is tired from work. You used to say that attending balls was a waste of time, so of course, exhaustion is the only reason why you would personally say that you would go. You’ve been working a lot lately,” Derek babbled.

Cahir’s eyebrows rose. “Derek,” he said firmly. “I don’t hate it anymore. I guess I’ve been more tolerant since I realized I was in love.”

“What? Lo… What did you say?”

“I’m in love.”

“Who? With whom?”

“I thought you knew; it’s not like there’s ever been anyone else next to me. There’s no one in this empire other than Rosaline who can capture me.”

Derek’s legs buckled. Cahir’s stare, on the other hand, didn’t falter at all.

“But you were still confused not too long ago, right?”

“I’m a man who likes learning. I learned from those romance books that all these feelings are actually just love.”

‘I wouldn’t have given those to you if I’d known this would happen.’

Derek felt regret course through him. But there was still a chance! Having unfamiliar feelings was confusing for everybody.

“Your Majesty, pardon my impertinence, but you have never felt romantic love before, so please think on it a little more. How can you confidently say that it’s love?”

He couldn’t stomach the idea of his boss getting a happy ending before him. He and Hui had been having such a hard time!

“Oh my, Derek, what do you see me as? Do I look like a fool who doesn’t even know how he feels?”

‘You didn’t even know until recently, Your Majesty.’

Cahir continued, “I’m sure. When I see Rosaline, I want to touch her, do anything for her. I’m worried that she’ll have a hard time, and I want to keep her by my side at all costs, even if it means breaking her wings.”

The first three were love, but the last one was definitely a sign of obsession.

Derek gaped.

“But I know it’s wrong. It’s wrong to want her to be by my side so desperately. I swear I’ll never do that to her. Just the thought of her being sad or sick makes my heart pound.”

‘What… did I just hear? Those saccharine words? Out of His Majesty’s mouth?’

Derek’s ears felt like they had cavities. He wanted to rinse his ears in running water right then. If possible, his head too, just to erase his memory as well.

“Don’t make that face.”

“What face?”

“A jealous face.”

“It’s not.”

Well, it was a relief that Cahir hadn’t changed that much, at least. While he now had awareness of his own feelings, he still couldn’t properly gauge that of others.

Derek sighed. 

“Yes, it is.”

“No. Your Majesty, I am not jealous of Secretary Rosaline.”

“Then what’s wrong with your face?”

“Because I’m frowning but also awkwardly smiling?”

“Are you sick? Can’t you feel what expression you’re making?”

Derek wanted to smile. Genuinely. But his face really did make it seem like he was jealous. Cahir looked a bit worried, which sent a chill down his spine.

“Your Majesty, there’s something I want to make sure of.”

“Say it.”

“Love and dating are done by oneself. You know that, right?”

‘So you can’t ask me to help you. With, for example, proposal ideas, magical fireworks shows, bouquets, or something like that.’

“Okay. Speaking of which, Derek, have you ever thought about what life is like at the border?”

Wow.

He hadn’t even said anything outrageous yet, but there was an immediate attack.

“Your Majesty, that was just a general statement. Of course, your and Secretary Rosaline’s relationship is the romance of the century, and it must be the best in all of Aetheus’ history, so should be willing to receive help from others. How can I help you?”

Derek was willing to kneel to stay with Hui.

“Well, I won’t refuse your offer. Is there a report I need to review tonight?”

“No, you can do it tomorrow morning. Should I tell everyone to get ready?”

“I’d appreciate that.”

The teasing threats and words of gratitude were a vast improvement to how Cahir used to order people around. Derek, still shocked at his employer’s frank confession and attitude change, stumbled out of the office.

He heard a pleasant laugh come from behind him.