Chapter 1371.1
Evangeline, sniffling, stuffed the cookies in front of her into her mouth.
“Now, now. Eat slowly, my little one. Haha, does it taste good?”
“Yes,” she replied weakly.
Deorte el Lyndis, the emperor, smiled with satisfaction.
In all honesty, she was practically a stranger to him on paper, since she didn’t share a single drop of blood with him. Nor was she a child of his own flesh and blood, Aeria el Lyndis.
In fact, his only direct blood descendant with the O’Rowane lineage was Darian.
Well, at least that was what he had initially thought. That thought did not last long. Before he knew it, the notion that Evangeline wasn’t related to Aeria had become meaningless.
Considering the culture of the nobility Tionis, Evangeline would have a hard time being treated properly regardless of the circumstances.
In a world where even an illegitimate child from Davey having an affair with a maid would be frowned upon, there was no way an adoptee would be perceived any better.
Of course, very few people knew the detailed story, yet if it ever became widely known, Evangeline would never be able to shake off the troublesome label.
He had once heard about a young noble who found out Evangeline wasn’t Davey O’Rowane’s biological daughter and spoke badly about it. Sources said he went completely bald at a young age, with not a single hair left.
So, was Evangeline just an adopted child of Emperor Deorte? He felt it would be rather strange to label her as such—especially since Blue Ribbon and Red Ribbon transcended any basic concept of genetic descendants in the first place.
“Now, now, there's plenty to enjoy, so eat all you want. I even have milk mixed with your favorite strawberries.”
“Ah!”
Emperor Deorte saw his adorable granddaughter’s eyes sparkle. He thought hard about how to phrase his next words so he wouldn’t hurt her feelings, finally saying, “But what’s the matter? What happened that made you come find your grandpa like this?”
When he finally asked the question, Evangeline stopped digging through the cookies and cautiously lowered her head. “I... I ran away from Dad... If he catches me now, I might die.”
“Your father?”
Evangeline’s eyes darted nervously.
Emperor Deorte immediately surmised the situation. She had caused some sort of trouble, then ran there because she was afraid of being scolded by her parents. He couldn’t help but marvel at how bold she was.
Even though his son-in-law had a reputation for being crazy and psychotic, he’d never be a scoundrel who scolded his child without reason.
So, then, as her grandfather and for her future, he needed to be stern with her.
However—
His son assured her, “Don't you worry. No matter what he does, this uncle will protect you.”
“Y-You rascal?!”
“Your Majesty, are you planning to send Eva to him?”
“Nonsense! That’s ridiculous! Who dares scold my precious little granddaughter?!” He said things that would make other royals foam and cough up blood if they heard them. This was all because he saw his cute granddaughter so depressed.
He fell into thought, pondering the situation. “By the way, does Davey know you're here?”
“No... not yet. But he'll find out soon...”
“You can relax. Rest well, and don't worry about anything else. Since you're here, you can stay for a few days.”
Evangeline nervously nodded at his suggestion. She knew that he was the only one who stood even the slightest chance of successfully hiding and helping her in that moment.
The Evangeline Pursuit Party included not only Davey, but also Perserque and Illyna. While Evangeline had made a big mistake, they weren’t sure if it was right to push a child so hard.
Thinking this, the emperor issued an order to Alberth. “First, have Eva stay in the Imperial Palace. She can't be seen, so send her to the Sun Annex.”
“Your Majesty, that place is only for the royals of the Lyndis Empire...”
“Evangeline is my granddaughter. That should be enough qualification.”
“I understand.”
The empire's other ministers would jump in fear if they heard that conversation.
“It’s not good for her to be conspicuous. Make sure everyone attending her is loyal and discreet.”
“I will bear that in mind, Your Majesty.”
Whatever she was going through, his granddaughter had come to him for help and was clinging to him, so of course, he had to help her.
“But... Your Majesty, is that enough? I hesitate to say this, but her father’s tracking ability is practically unrivaled...”
“Don't worry,” he assured them. “That place is filled with countless defensive spells that have been accumulated over a long time, ever since the early days of the Lyndis Empire.”
Even if his son-in-law was a monster, he’d have no justification to deliberately stir up trouble in the Sun Annex. Even if he did, they’d be able to buy enough time to evacuate Evangeline.
“Haah. It's comical that the Sun Annex, which has been known as the royals' refuge since the early days of the Empire, is merely a hurdle to that fellow.”
“Haah. What can we do? That's just the kind of man he is.”
There didn’t seem to be any better way to put it.
It was then.
“Your Majesty, Grand Duke Davey O'Rowane has arrived from Heins Territory.”
Startled by the news of Davey arriving so early, Deorte and Alberth exchanged glances and trembled slightly.
“Alberth, I'll hold him off, so quickly evacuate Eva to the annex. Make sure you activate the concealment barrier we experimented with before.”
“I will carry out your command, Your Majesty.”
After seeing Alberth rush out the back door, Deorte struck a dignified pose and touched the teacup containing black tea. Once Davey stepped into the chamber, he waved with a relaxed expression. “It's been a long time, Davey. Please sit down.”
“I appreciate your consideration, Your Majesty.”
He figured Davey hadn’t come knowing Evangeline was there with any certainty. There was no need to draw unnecessary attention.
“This is a high-grade tea supplied to the royals. Well, you're probably usually getting an even finer blend through the elves, but try this one.”
Davey silently sipped the tea, his gaze fixed downward at the teacup. “The aroma is lovely.”
“So. How is Aeria doing?” The emperor had to stall for time, even if things went wrong and Davey became suspicious.
Still, they were a powerful empire, one of the strongest among Tionis. There was no way their imperial security forces could truly be breached so easily.
Hiding Evangeline from him was one reason to stall, but he also couldn’t back down for the sake of his pride.
“Yes, she is well and healthy, with no ailments. She should’ve come with me, but...”
“It's fine. It’s never easy to come visit amidst such a busy schedule.”
“It's a complicated matter not to see family. But speaking of which...” Davey began.
“Oh, right!” Deorte interrupted. “Actually, one of my granddaughters is scheduled to enroll in Heins Academy this semester.”
Davey wasn’t quite sure how to respond. “...I don't accept requests for favors.”
“Hahaha, who said anything about a request for a favor? Actually, that granddaughter has a bit of a wild personality. She makes me so anxious, like a fish out of water.”
He rose from his seat and handed a small brooch to Davey. “It's nothing much. If that child ever grows into a figure worthy of her position at Heins Academy, give this to her.”
“What is this?”
“What do you mean? It’s her father's keepsake. That pathetic fellow... to pass away before his father...”
The atmosphere suddenly became solemn.
Davey gave a bitter smile and took another sip of tea. “Your Majesty...”
“The cause of death was ruled an accident. He was swept away in a landslide while traveling with his wife, leaving behind their baby at less than three years old.”
He did not give Davey an inch of opening in the conversation. Emperor Deorte forcefully kept changing the topic so he couldn’t bring up Evangeline.
As the man continued, Davey tapped the teacup faster and faster.
“Living as an emperor can be lonely. I can't talk about things like this carelessly anywhere,” Deorte lamented. “Well, Alberth does listen to me, but he's grown up now and has become quite brazen, you know. I will say, confiding in you, my son-in-law, feels a little different.” He chuckled and rose from his seat.
“Your Majesty?”
“Since you're here, let's have a drink. Well, you shouldn't ride a horse after drinking, but you'll probably be fine.”
Davey’s eyes narrowed. “Your Majesty. Perhaps...”
“Ah! Actually, I’ve been wondering lately what to do with this hidden liquor. Davey, do you know what this is? It's a five-hundred-year-old Blue Bong. It's really hard to get.”
Davey couldn’t help but stare at the bottle.
“Would you like to try some?”
“T-then, just one glass...”
'Hmph, you foolish young blood. You still have a long way to go.’
He chuckled internally, opening the expensive wine. Although it was a bottle he had truly cherished, having a drink with his son-in-law wasn’t a complete loss, even if he was a little disappointed.
For now, just diverting his attention was enough.
While Deorte continued to internally mock him, Davey said, “That's wonderful. I’ll gratefully accept a glass. We can talk about Evangeline after that.”
Deorte’s expression instantly crumpled when he saw his son-in-law’s knowing smile. “Ugh. You’re too quick to notice. You already knew?”
“Of course, Davey confirmed. “I already received a report that she came here.”
“I'm sorry, but you just missed her. Eva passed through here and headed further north. Speaking of which, Davey—how much did you pressure her to make her so scared?”
“She has every reason to be scared. I fully intend to give her a thorough scolding.” He waved his hand and the space warped in the air. A white pillar immediately fell from it with a heavy thud.
“Surely not with that...” Deorte remarked with a gulp.
“No need to worry, Your Majesty. Nothing is better than this for disciplining my crazy daughter.”
“You are quite the madman. Fine. I have a little more information, but if you want to hear it, you'll have to play along with my stories.”
Davey quietly nodded at his words. “Sure.”
He had no issue with that, as it’d only delay when she’d be punished.
Her future was already set.
Emperor Deorte began pouring wine into a glass, then gradually started telling his own stories, even those about his deceased son and daughter.
“You are quite different despite being the son of that Krianes O'Rowane. How did a straightforward fox like you emerge from under him...”
Davey smirked. “Is that so?”
“Yes. I don't know why, but it truly... reminds me of my son who passed away.”
Emperor Deorte had only intended to divert the topic from Evangeline. Yet, perhaps due to the atmosphere, or maybe due to the fact that he just kept talking, the desire to simply talk deepened in him as he continued, “Haah. If only Vashas was even a tenth like you... Both my son and grandson are utter scoundrels.”
* * *
The Sun Annex.
Evangeline let out a small gasp as she saw the palace’s beautiful, brilliant white garden. It was a space only accessible to the most prestigious royals. Ordinary collateral royals were not permitted entry.
“This is said to be the most beautiful space in the empire. The most magnificent and elegant place.”
The person telling her about the annex was an old gentleman in a black suit.
“But this place...” she cautiously began.
“Yes. Originally, no one could enter except for the royals and a few highly loyal officials.”
Evangeline added, “But I’m not a royal of Lyndis.”
“Fufu. His Majesty granted permission, so it’s fine.”
“Is that allowed?”
“There is no reason for it to not be allowed. His Majesty is the true law of the land.”
Though it could be seen as quite strange to outsiders for there to be such absolute power, there was no point in questioning a nation with an absolute monarchy.
“However, please forgive me for not being able to guide you into the Inner Palace.”
“It's okay.” Worried she might be discovered, Evangeline bit her nails and cautiously asked, “I'll be safe here, right?”
“Even Grand Duke Davey O'Rowane cannot enter this place without justification. So, please do not worry, Princess. Oh, and I will help you find a change of clothes.”
The old gentleman clapped his hands, and several maids entered. They held moderately plain dresses in their hands.
“Your dress is too conspicuous here. We apologize for our impropriety, but we ask for your understanding. We can’t have information leaking out.”
Even though she was wearing her casual clothes from home, the cultures of Tionis and Earth were different.
Therefore, her current attire, though seemingly modest, couldn’t help but feel a little out of place.
“I understand.”
“Please. Oh, Princess. As for the attendants...” he said, trailing off.
“It's okay, I can take care of myself. I'll call them if I need them, so everyone can leave in the meantime.”
He hesitated to accept that. “But...”
“This happened because of my stubbornness, didn't it? So, I'll decline giving you any further trouble.”
As Evangeline followed the maids inside, the old gentleman gave a faint laugh. Then, he looked at her with a warm gaze and quietly bowed his head. “May you enjoy your comfortable stay.”
After all, no one here would or even could harm her.
It would only be later that she realized things were not entirely as they seemed.
