Capitulo 32
Episode 32
«Oh, no. I really wasn’t expecting you.»
I was stunned.
Because I thought it was really a pass word. He’s the emperor, I’m not his fiancée, I’m just a hired mistress.
This masquerade was neither a grand banquet hosted by the imperial family nor a place to show our relationship externally.
«I guess I’m a person who doesn’t know how to keep a promise to my mistress.»
«I know how busy His Majesty is?»
Aster asked with a slight frown at my excuse.
«I didn’t give him that much faith?»
«Your Majesty didn’t do that.»
«Oh, no, I asked you a useless question.»
Aster’s face hardened at the memory of my elegant betrothed. Feeling sorry for him for no reason, I smiled awkwardly and excused myself.
«Ha, hahaha. I thought you were just saying that.»
I didn’t believe it nor did I expect it.
All the men who told me that didn’t keep their word for any reason.
And behind was Tatiana, after all.
I had to choose between Tatiana and me, and they chose Tatiana without hesitation.
So I wasn’t expecting it this time either.
Aster, who came over, took off his jacket and covered his shoulder, saying.
«I would have thought that if I didn’t see him by this time, he wouldn’t come. You needn’t worry too much.»
«It’s not that I didn’t really believe it. Your Majesty.»
It’s because of the habit of doubting what others say.
He whispered with a disgusted face.
«Isn’t this a masquerade?» «I’m talking too openly about my identity.»
«I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.»
«Keep it a secret.»
I couldn’t say anything for a second.
Considering his age, his hair color, and his clear purple eyes, many would have figured out that he is the emperor.
When I fell silent, Aster excused himself, wagging his chin, as if embarrassed.
«I think this is a pretty perfect disguise.»
«Good.»
I could tell that just by looking at the clothes.
Aster, who was looking at me thinking about how to say this, eventually burst out laughing.
«You’re the type who can never lie.»
«I’ll take that as a compliment.»
The throbbing headache disappeared from his disinterested smile.
Aster, still looking at me, held out his hand.
«Are we going to have fun now?»
I put my hand on his glove. I felt the warm body temperature on the thin fabric.
«Go on inside. I’m pretty sure what I have in store.»
«Last time I came here, I was treated to a high quality dessert. I have high expectations.»
He said he didn’t like sweets, but laughed when he said it was delicious.
All the deep discomfort that had just occurred had long since evaporated.
People’s stares reached us as we opened the terrace door and entered the room.
As expected, people seemed to know who the man next to me was.
Even if I covered myself with a mask, it would be hard not to recognize a man looking like this.»
To be honest, it was a strong look that I couldn’t forget even once I saw him as I passed by.
I raised my head and looked at Aster.
«Look, no one knows, right?»
Seeing how completely amused he was, I burst out laughing without realizing it.
Is he cheeky or does he really not know?
Aster was still smiling and holding the egg tart, the aroma and texture of which stood out with lots of vanilla bean.
In particular, he seemed to have made note of the fact that it is a not-so-sweet dessert that is unusual for this type of holiday.
I had custard cream in my mouth that had cut it into large chunks.
I reached out to wipe off the custard. Then, habitually, I brushed the sweet-smelling cream on my finger with my tongue.
Maybe it’s because I don’t like sweets, but it hurts the tip of my tongue because it tastes sweeter than usual.
«Isn’t the cream too sweet?»
I waited, but there was no answer, so I looked at Aster.
The tip of his ear was red as he rolled his eyes at me.
«Aster?»
He raised his big hand to cover his mouth.
«Sometimes I think you’re so absurdly pitiless.»
«What?»
Not knowing what he was talking about, I blinked.
I soon realized what I had done.
«I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Oh, my goodness. I didn’t mean to. It’s a strange habit, but it’s not easy to fix.»
Most of the habits he had in his previous life were corrected to suit his position as a nobleman, but it was the one thing he couldn’t fix.
What was consciously repressed seemed to come out when I felt comfortable.
«Well, that’s okay. Thanks to you, I saw you embarrassed.»
The mischievous smile seemed really nice. I glared at him with a slight glare.
«Don’t get too angry.»
He put a glass of champagne in my hand. Then I tapped the glass lightly with my glass.
«So, shall we have fun?» Actually, I’ve never been in a position like this, so I don’t know what to do.»
«Yeah, that’s great.»
We shared glasses across from each other.
We didn’t dance. We just sat in a corner, tasted desserts, drank sweet champagne and talked.
«Actually, I didn’t understand why you liked the masquerade so much, but now that I’m here, it’s not so bad.»
«It’s a free night, no matter what you say to make yourself look good to each other. You can puff yourself up however you want, or whisper fake love.»
Everyone present covered their faces and spoke freely, pretending not to know each other’s identity.
The most basic premise of the masquerade was deception.
The one night when you know each other but pretend not to know each other, hide your identity and lie, and forgive each other.
«Do you feel free?»
I burst out laughing at Aster’s words.
«Don’t be disappointed because you don’t have to expect it.».
«I’ve been sorry for a long time, but one doesn’t trust people. It’s inevitable.»
«Well.
Maybe you never trust anyone in your life.
All the people I trusted betrayed me.
Betrayal hits the body and shatters trust in people.
«Princess?»
«Oh, no.»
When I came to my senses belatedly, I smiled at her.
Aster was silent for a moment and laughed again. I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw him take a step back.
«So, since you’ve invited me to such a big party, can I invite the princess as well?»
I cocked my head to the side at Aster’s words. If it’s an official event hosted by the Imperial Palace at this time…….
«You mean a hunting event?»
«Yes.»
«It’s been a long time since it’s been held.»
Aster has never held a hunting festival since he became emperor.
There were many reasons, but it was because the threat of assassination was high.
«Since the imperial power has been strengthened, I thought it was time to resume it.»
It was the first hunting festival in years, and it was very important to attend with the emperor.
Is it okay for me to take that position?
Aster caught my attention by tapping his fingertips on the table, as if he knew what I was thinking.
«You don’t have to worry too much. You don’t have to be with me, and you just have to accept my prey.»
«If that’s the case…….»
«I can’t help but have a scared girl by my side.»
Aster quickly smiled mischievously.
I felt sorry and grateful to Aster for yielding to me and backing off every time.
He didn’t have to.
«You don’t have to be sorry. I’m the one who is most desperate for this relationship.»
«Your Majesty.»
«So you can swing it a little more freely as you like.»
My heart pounded with a sweet smile that seemed to melt.
It was a strange thing.
* * *
Tatiana stood distracted.
I shuddered at the nasty looks at myself.
Why, why did this happen?»
She reached out and grabbed Andrew’s hem beside her.
«Andy.»
I wanted him to help me. I wanted him to call me nicely like before and ask me if I was okay.
«Angel.»
«Andy!»
A kind voice came in my ear. Tatiana slowly raised her head.
I had a good feeling she might be back to her old self.
She lowered her hand as she tried to touch the bracelet.
«I think I’m going to go.»
The voice was sweet. It was as soft and sweet as she remembered.
Tatiana snapped her hand that held it.
«There’s no reason to stay here any longer, is there?»
Andrew reached out and tugged on Tatiana’s body.
It was a gentle touch, but cruel eyes bore into Tatiana.
She recoiled.
Then, the hand that held her tightly released Tatiana with ease.
«I can go back alone.»
Out came a voice of terror. Tatiana noticed that Andrew’s patience had reached its limit.
‘You’re going to kill me.’
Hiding her trembling hands, Tatiana tried to smile.