Chapter 253 - Peaceful Days in Oblivion

Looking in the mirror, Mikhail smiled. Everything was going according to plan so far—he was not concerned with winning the princess’ heart, as his goal from the beginning was to get close to the emperor. Mikhail was unsure of how, but it seemed that the sovereign knew how to control Duke Floyen.

‘All I have to do now is come up with a way to manipulate that idiot. Getting rid of the duke will be no problem then.’

Once the powerful disruptor was gone, Mikhail could take his time to think about what to do next. He could marry the princess and turn her against the crown prince to get rid of them both. Just as dangerous ambitions were tainting his heart, someone knocked on the door.

“Young master, a letter has arrived from the royal palace.”

Smiling, Mikhail allowed his servant to enter the room. “Come in.” Once the man was inside, Mikhail picked up the letter from the silver tray then frowned. ‘How dare this b*stard…!’ Infuriated, he forgot that the letter he was holding was from the emperor and crumpled it.

***

In the royal study, the emperor sat in his chair, stroking his chin. He was thinking about what Mikhail had said the other day.

“How about a hunting contest? It might help in announcing to the empire that our families have developed friendly relations.”

‘Hmm, a better idea might be…’

The emperor was mulling over his choices when the grand chamberlain called, “Your Majesty, Mikhail, the eldest son of Marquis Hessen, requests an audience.”

“Let him in.” The emperor smiled brightly once he beheld the knight’s handsome face. “Welcome. It seems you are glowing brighter with each passing day!”

Mikhail bowed in response to the praise. “Thank you, Your Majesty. However, you must know that my appearance is insignificant when compared to yours.”

In good spirits, the emperor asked, “So, what brings you here?”

Mikhail clenched his fists. ‘This greedy b*stard. How dare he try to meddle with what’s mine?’ He was infuriated, to the point he wanted to stab the emperor to death. However, he stowed away his emotions and spoke calmly, “Thank you for the letter, Your Majesty. I, however, cannot understand your intention to connect His Highness the Crown Prince to Lady Floyen.”

Smirking, the emperor explained, “Maximillian must be dying to make the girl his. It’s a shame that she made it obvious that she was not interested in him.”

‘Then you should let him be so that he would suffer,’ Mikhail wanted to say.

The emperor continued nonetheless. “Love is like a spark. If there is no opportunity for him, his interest in her is bound to fade away. I am just putting firewood to the flames so that it stays lit.” Glancing at the silent Mikhail, he continued, “Even if it might serve as a trial for him.”

‘Trial?’ Mikhail could feel his nails dig into his palms. The emperor’s letter contained a clumsily written scheme—it was about putting Jubelian in danger so that the crown prince could rescue her. ‘Even if you are the emperor, if you dare to lay a finger on what’s mine, I won’t let you be.’ He was determined to make sure the emperor could not carry out his plan that day. Masking his boiling sentiments, he answered coolly, “How wise of you.”

***

The tea-tasting party, which hadn’t been held for a long time, was finally here. The atmosphere was lively, and everyone was enjoying each other’s company.

“Lady Veronica, your necklace is gorgeous!” Catherine complimented. Veronica raised her chin in response to show off the jewelry. Although not flashy, the flower-shaped ornaments were lovely.

“I personally designed it not long ago,” she boasted.

Oblivious, Catherine asked, “At which workshop did you have it made?”