BVIB 10

Chapter 10

“You certainly know some intriguing things, my lady. Did word somehow leak out of my palace?”
The emperor tapped his chin thoughtfully.

His tone was light, almost like a friendly neighbor making idle conversation, but Roselyn knew better—behind that easy voice was a master of manipulation.

“That’s not it,” she replied calmly. “It’s just that, after a recent incident, I awakened an ability.”

“…Ah, so you’ve become an ‘Abyssal.’ Well, that’s quite the achievement,” he said, arching an eyebrow.

“Yes. And, just so you know, Your Majesty is the first person I’ve told.”

The emperor’s smile never faltered. His booming voice, casual manner, and the warm look in his eyes could almost make you forget who he really was. Every bit of it was an elaborate trap, Roselyn knew—she’d felt a chill the first time she realized just how calculated it all was.

Of course, it made sense that a man who collected rare animals and would do anything to obtain precious gems wasn’t exactly normal.

She glanced at the dazzling jewelry dangling from his hands and ears, then quietly set her teacup down.

“Well, I suppose I should feel honored, shouldn’t I? The Duke and the young lord of Bellion would be jealous,” the emperor said, grinning broadly.

“So,” he continued, “what sort of power do you have that makes you think you can solve problems even I can’t?”

Roselyn met his gaze. “Strictly speaking, it’s not that you can’t solve them, Your Majesty.”

“Oh?” The emperor’s eyes rounded in mock curiosity as he tilted his head.

“You want everything resolved as quietly and peacefully as possible, don’t you?”

“Me? And why would I go to all that trouble?” he asked, though his voice was positively brimming with amusement.

“Because of the ‘purge’ you’re preparing,” Roselyn said quietly.

The emperor froze for a moment.

He blinked his blue eyes, then gave a soft, rueful chuckle.
“Well, well… I thought I’d kept that information under tight wraps. You’re making this difficult for me,” he murmured, glancing sidelong at her and giving a casual shrug.

“So, in exchange for your help, you want my permission to break off your engagement to the third prince?”

“Yes. And, when the purge comes… I’d like for the direct line of the Bellion family to be spared.”

He let out a short laugh. “Are you asking me to turn a blind eye to their crimes?”

“Not to crimes—just to one troublemaker. Of course, the collateral branches can be included in your cleansing if you wish,” Roselyn replied coolly.

The emperor’s eyes narrowed at her frankness.
“Just one troublemaker, is that it?”

“Yes. There are some things that only a troublemaker can accomplish,” she added, her words loaded with meaning.

The emperor watched her in silence, then let out another quiet laugh.

No one’s ever tried to strike a deal with me like this before, he thought. She might even be bolder than the crown prince.

“So, you’ll resolve the Kaluta and missing persons affairs, and in return, you want two favors from me?”

“That’s right.”

He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

It wasn’t a bad deal at all.

In truth, a marriage between the ducal house and the imperial family wasn’t some grand alliance. It was simply a way to reinforce their already close relationship.

But even without such a marriage, the Bellion family could never betray the throne. The engagement was little more than a formality, meant for appearances.

Given that, letting one unruly member of the family slide wasn’t a bad trade for the emperor. He’d originally planned to cut away all the dead wood, but he could overlook a single wayward son in return for this clever backroom deal.

He nodded.
“If you handle these affairs to my satisfaction, I’ll agree to your terms.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I appreciate your time. If you’ll excuse me, I’d like to take my leave now,” Roselyn said, making it clear she was finished.

The emperor burst into laughter at her directness.
“Very well, go on then,” he said, waving her off with a generous sweep of his hand.

He could be surprisingly accommodating with those who could keep up with him.

As Roselyn bowed and turned to go, his voice called out behind her.

“Tell me, do you not like my son? He’s a bit timid, but I’d say he’s got a rather handsome face.”

Roselyn glanced back at the emperor with a smile.
“He’s far too good for someone like me, in many ways.”

“Oh?”

“And if you wouldn’t mind, Your Majesty, I’d appreciate it if everything said here today stayed between us. My abilities as well,” she added, subtly pointing upward toward the ceiling.

The emperor chuckled under his breath.
“I’ll keep today’s events between us. I’ll see that you receive a formal apology—and an appropriate token of regret, as well.”

“Actually, Your Majesty, I’d prefer to ask one favor instead,” Roselyn said.

She quietly stated her request. The emperor’s expression shifted, and then he nodded.
“That will do?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Very well, I’ll see it done.”

He gave another approving nod.

“Oh, and Roselyn—this time I’ll let it slide… but I hope there won’t be a next time.”

“I’ll do my best, Your Majesty.”

He laughed at that.
She never actually promises not to do it again, he thought, amused, stroking his chin.

“One more thing. I’d like you to attend the next banquet. It should be… entertaining.”

Roselyn caught the unsaid implication and gave a faint, knowing smile.
“It would be an honor, if you invite me.”

As soon as she stepped out the door, a shadow blocked her path, making her eyes widen.

“…Your Highness, the third prince.”

Arma shuffled his feet, glancing around nervously before bowing his head.
“Did… did your conversation with Father go well?”

“Yes, the conversation went well. Were you waiting for me?” Roselyn asked.

“Ah, I heard Father was asking for me too… But before that, I wanted to make sure you got proper treatment,” Arma said hesitantly.

He shifted his feet, maintaining a few steps of distance. “Can I… come closer now?”

Roselyn’s brows knitted slightly. Isn’t he already close enough? she wondered. Still, she nodded in mild confusion.

Arma closed the gap by two careful steps, then bowed his head deeply, turning slightly to show her his cheek, which was still tinged red with embarrassment.

“Are you… not embarrassed by me anymore?” he asked quietly.

“Oh.” Roselyn suddenly remembered how harshly she’d sent him away earlier.

“Yes, you did a good job with the treatment,” she replied, noticing the fresh gauze on his cheek and his crisp, clean uniform.

But even as she responded, he didn’t move away; his cheek remained turned toward her expectantly. Roselyn looked at him, puzzled.

“Don’t you want to check it with your hand?” he asked softly.

Is that really necessary? Roselyn thought, but she obliged, brushing her fingers gently over the gauze—only for Arma to briefly lean into her touch before finally straightening and stepping back, looking satisfied.

“And… you don’t have to shield me like that in the future,” she said. “Earlier, I let myself get hit on purpose.”

Arma’s eyes widened in shock. His face crumpled, and for a moment he looked like he might cry, lips pressed tightly together.

Arma looked at her, hurt and almost resentful, before speaking in a small, trembling voice.
“…Why?”

“Because the charge of insulting royalty wasn’t wrong. You could even call it attempted regicide,” Roselyn replied lightly, a faint smile on her lips.

“But Roselyn, you were only—” Arma began, but she simply shrugged, still smiling.

“Even if things had gotten worse, there wouldn’t have been anything you could do, Your Highness,” she said gently.

Arma froze, the weight of her words sinking in.

“That’s just how it is,” she continued quietly.

He was the third prince. Someone content with the present, who only wished for a little peace and stability—no hunger for power, no grand ambitions, not even anger at unfairness or injustice.

“I truly hope you find a good match and live happily, Your Highness,” Roselyn said, her tone warm but final.

Arma pressed his lips together tightly.

Roselyn saw it, but pretended not to notice. She hadn’t wanted to say this—she didn’t want to leave him with any lingering feelings, or to draw his attention any more than necessary.

Human emotions really are impossible to predict, she thought.

But seeing his familiar face, the words had slipped out before she could stop herself.

In her eyes, the best future for Arma would be to marry a gentle lady from a respectable family and live quietly as a son-in-law—peaceful, uncomplicated happiness.

If she could help him find happiness—even if it was a happiness that came late—Roselyn felt she could finally repay the debt she owed Arma.

Even if this Arma was not the same man she once knew, but someone from another world with the same face and the same name.

With that thought, Roselyn spoke softly, her voice gentle and sincere.