EURL CH 08

Chapter 8

“So you were here. We’ve finally found you.”

Huh? That voice sounds familiar.

I sniffed and tilted my head.

I’ve definitely heard it before. In fact, I heard it just this morning.

Isn’t that the voice of the person who gave me the Elmu boots and the bracelet I’m wearing right now?

“…Weren’t you scheduled to enter the palace after one o’clock? What brings you here?”

“The Emperor—no, in truth, everyone in the palace is worried about Your Highness. After breakfast, you disappeared without telling anyone your destination. Officials down to the second rank have been urgently summoned. Everyone is searching for you.”

The tone was stiff and formal, but it was definitely my brother.

“Oppa!”

I couldn’t help it. I called out and peeked around Rubellus’s back.

It was Elphine.

But… he looked different.

He wasn’t wearing the same uniform as earlier. Even his hair was styled differently.

Before, his bangs had fallen softly over his forehead. Now they were slicked back with pomade, fully exposing his brow.

And over his uniform, he wore an additional ceremonial sash.

Pinned to his right chest was unmistakably the Gold Falcon Grand Medal, the highest decoration awarded for military merit.

And those two silver aiguillettes running from his shoulder to his chest—

Two cords were granted only to generals or equivalent high-ranking military positions.

“Oppa… are you a general?”

W-What is this?

My mouth fell open. I was so shocked that even my tears stopped.

He looked exactly like the Minister of War and his direct subordinates I used to see at the palace.

Does that mean my brother is as high-ranking as they are now?

Of course, I knew he studied with His Highness and sided with him instead of Father.

Three years ago, I heard he became deputy commander of the knights.

But when did he become commander?

At home, neither Father nor Oppa talked about it, and I’d been shut away in the estate for three years.

“Sir Wildenbiston, good timing.”

Just as I was about to call him again, Rubellus spoke.

“I was taking a morning walk, contemplating the heavy national responsibilities soon to be mine, when I happened to meet Lady Wildenbiston. There seems to have been a misunderstanding… and I believe it is a misunderstanding you are also aware of.”

His deep, rich voice sounded incredibly gentle.

I found myself staring at his back in admiration.

He really is impressive. Even explaining things so smoothly.

…But something felt off.

Why did Elphine’s face look pale?

Why did he take a step back?

“That misunderstanding is one I am aware of as well. I will explain later. Aira.”

“Oppa.”

Elphine called me and extended his hand.

I felt so relieved.

I nodded and quickly slipped out from behind Rubellus, hurrying toward him.

Crunch.

Something ground sharply.

What was that?

I turned around in surprise.

Rubellus was smiling kindly at me and giving a slight nod.

What was that sound? A branch breaking? It almost sounded like… teeth grinding.

“Aira, go on. Bianca and Viscount Delion are looking for you.”

Elphine urged me. His tone was much firmer than before.

Well… I wasn’t supposed to be here in the first place.

“Okay.”

I nodded and forced my reluctant feet to move away.

I could feel both of their gazes on my back.

I might get scolded later.

At least I should beg Oppa not to tell Father.

Hm, wait.

As I stepped back toward the path leading to the main palace, I turned around.

“Your Highness.”

“…”

The Emperor—who had been looking at Elphine—turned his head toward me again.

His violet eyes seemed darker than before.

There was something more in that gaze now, but I couldn’t tell what.

It’s not like I have any right to understand him.

Still, there was something I wanted to say.

After hesitating, I clenched my fists.

“Your Highness, please don’t worry.”

“…What?”

I saw his brows twitch sharply.

Was that too bold of an opening?

I quickly licked my lips and rushed my words.

“I mean—don’t worry. I’ve completely given up on you. Just because you smiled at me today doesn’t mean my heart will start fluttering again. I know why you smiled. It’s because I gave up my one-sided love, right? I’ve kept my distance properly, so you’re praising me. Isn’t that it?”

Even as I sniffed, I raised my fists confidently toward him and Elphine.

“I’ll keep your secret too. I promise. I’ve never told anyone. And I never will.”

I meant it.

When he asked earlier if I understood the meaning, maybe he was hinting that I should quietly pretend not to know.

See? Just a few steps away from him, and my rational mind returns.

I nodded firmly.

“I’ll quietly watch your coronation from behind today. I really don’t like you anymore. And I won’t come to the palace again.”

“Lady Wildenbiston.”

His voice cut through my words.

Colder than at any other moment today.

“…Yes?”

“For now, it would be best for you to return. Please make your way safely back to the palace.”

His tone was entirely different now. Formal. Distant.

He called me Lady Wildenbiston.

And his expression—

The corners of his mouth were twisted strangely, neither smiling nor frowning.

“…Yes.”

I blinked rapidly and turned around, walking stiffly.

He must have been surprised by how well I handled that.

Still, I managed to reassure him at the end.

That was a mature lady’s response.

My steps felt slightly lighter as I headed back.

…He didn’t notice I was about to cry, did he?

I sighed and clutched my dress tightly.

Whatever happens, I just need to get back quickly.

***

The moment Aira disappeared from sight, Rubellus became something else entirely.

At least, that’s how Elphine saw it.

The mask of forced smiles shattered.

Rubellus stared at Elphine with a cold face and burning eyes.

“…Explain.”

Despite the murderous tone, Elphine didn’t flinch. He took a deep breath.

“Aira does not know that Your Highness has been sending her gifts.”

“Why?”

“…Because I did not tell her, Your Highness.”

Elphine’s blue eyes sharpened as he faced him.

Rubellus’s presence was overwhelming—sharp, fierce, almost unbearable.

Yet Elphine, though pale, did not step back.

Elphine Wildenbiston.

Usually slow and blunt, he was nicknamed “the Bear” because he knew nothing but training and swords.

Unlike his father, he lacked political flexibility.

But as a member of House Wildenbiston, his loyalty to the nation was unwavering, and his lips were sealed tight—even from his own father regarding military secrets.

That was why Rubellus valued him.

He considered him a close friend, a loyal subject, even his sword.

He had supported him all this time.

So he had never doubted that Elphine would support him in this matter as well.

Then—

Elphine clenched his lower lip and suddenly dropped to both knees before him.