Chapter 280 - You're Mine

I took Geraldine’s hands. “Dean, I am heartbroken. I feel like my family is being looked down upon because I am representing my house as a woman…”

“What are you talking about?! Such a thing doesn’t matter! You are still the only heir of His Grace! I will not let anyone look down on you!”

“It’s a shame that our knights might be looked down on because of me…” I trailed off on purpose.

Geraldine held my hands tightly. “Don’t worry. Even if we can’t get first place, I will shut that Elios guy up.”

At his reassurance, I grinned. “Thank you, Dean.”

Geraldine smiled back, then he soon wrinkled his brow. “By the way, why are you covering your neck? Did something happen?”

“Oh, it’s just… I have a bit of a sore throat. I think I’ve caught a cold.”

Quickly shaking me away, Geraldine staggered back. “Why are you saying that now?! I could’ve caught it, too!” I knew he cared about himself very much, but I didn’t know it was to this extent. “Oh, I can’t let this go. I will go visit Allen.”

Listening to his selfish words, I sighed. Could I really trust him to carry out my plans?

* * *

Reading the report from his subordinate, Count Pyrex grinned slyly. ‘This will be my opportunity to make up for my mistake.’

With only loyalty and mediocre swordsmanship, Count Pyrex had risen to the rank of the captain of the emperor’s bodyguards. Although he did not possess exceptional skill like Duke Floyen nor the slyness of Marquis Hessen, the count believed he was trusted by the emperor.

“For protecting me through the war, I appoint you as the captain of my bodyguards.”

It was only through his persistence that Count Pyrex had been able to be promoted to this status. Thus, he had lived content with his place as the third-strongest swordsman in the empire until now.

Nonetheless, he had failed to link the princess with Lagon’s king. This led him to a time of crisis as the emperor was now acting coldly toward him. To make it worse, the eldest son of Marquis Hessen—who was second to Duke Floyen regarding swordsmanship—was frequenting the royal palace.

‘His Majesty must be aware that I am more useful than that brat.’ Count Pyrex hastily headed toward the emperor’s study and said, “I am here to speak to His Majesty.”

However, the grand chamberlain refused. “His Majesty is having an audience with someone else right now. Another time may be better—”

“Are you referring to the eldest son of Marquis Hessen?”

The grand chamberlain remained silent. Count Pyrex’s lips twisted into a frown. ‘I see.’ Normally, he would have returned. However, he had the key to the emperor’s heart at this moment. “This is an important matter, so please let His Majesty know.”

The grand chamberlain announced, “Your Majesty, the captain of your bodyguards, Count Pyrex, requests an audience.”

There was a moment of silence, and the emperor called from inside. “Let him in.”

Once he entered the office, Count Pyrex saw Mikhail standing in front of the emperor. ‘Cheeky b*astard,’ the nobleman gritted his teeth.

“Count Pyrex. What brings you here?”

Realizing the emperor’s gaze on him, the count knelt on one knee and bowed his head. “Your Majesty, I have captured it as you have ordered.”

The emperor furrowed his brow.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Count Pyrex smirked. “The beast called the direwolf, Your Majesty.”

The emperor and Mikhail had no choice but to cast looks of amazement.