The Villain Who Fell In Love

From the reactions of the noblewomen, it seems things went well for Emelia. Thankfully no one recognized her because she doesn't show herself much to the public. When a servant passed him, he placed the glass cup and walked to where he is supposed to be. Seeing Emelia succeed mean he had to better than her. 

"Duke Ze- I mean Cereus, It's great to see you again," greeted a nobleman wearing a lazuli-colored mask. From his attire, he looks like someone important, maybe a council member?

The man wearing a red mask and a white suit who is Duke Zed asked, "Who are you? I don't recognize you." 

"It's me, you know…Warren," He whispered his name out loud. Duke Zed stares at Warren and walks away from him. Why bother talking that man he said to himself.

Just the man Elliot wanted to talk to. He bumps Duke Zed's shoulder, and the wine he held spilled onto his suit. Duke Zed went to apologize to Elliot, "I apologize. We should clean your suit before it stains. I'll ask someone to bring another set of suits, and so please follow me."

Elliot followed Duke Zed from behind and wondered how a strict man can work for Henry? He doesn't look like the type of person to work under someone greedy. There isn't that much information about Duke Zed, which is why Elliot had been careful and observing him. 

Once they reached a room, Duke Zed asked, "What is your purpose of doing that?" It seems like he had gotten caught, but then Elliot didn't stop there. 

"What do you mean?" asked Elliot, looking at Duke Zed removing his mask. Elliot knew this stupid act can't continue further, but it won't hurt to try for the last time. 

"Black hair and golden eyes. Those who didn't recognize you must have bad eyesight.," said Duke Zed as he bowed his head. 

Interesting. This might be the reason why Emelia wanted Duke Zed to be by their side. His intelligence and stubbornness are on the next level. But it might be hard to bring him by their side since he works for Henry. 

Elliot removed his masked and smiled, "It seems I can no longer hide this identity. I'm quite impressed by you, Duke Zed." 

A former baron who one day inherited the title of Duke. Elliot might know why Henry appointed him as one because he looks hard-working just seeing the eye bags under his eyes. Most of the paperwork of the Emperor goes to him. Since it's related to the commoners. 

"Don't you find it unfair? The Duke doing the work of the Emperor?" asked Elliot as he removed his suit, placing it on the chair. 

"Nothing is unfair. It's normal for the Duke to help the Emperor with his workload," answered Duke Zed.

"But then you do know you're being used."

Duke Zed didn't take this lightly and glares at Elliot, taunting him not to go any further. It was their first interaction with each other, and it has gone bad already. 

"I'm sure you know that you are handling the affairs of the commoners and don't understand why your emperor isn't doing about them. Every time you try suggesting a plan, they disagree with it. This is the reason why the town isn't progressing," said Elliot. Sooner or later, the frustration in Duke Zed will want to go against Henry. 

It's like this. Who does the work? Who provides harvest food for the nobles? It's not like they would do it themselves and do work that disgusts them. If the commoners start going against the law because nothing is being done, things will go wrong for Henry. 

This is what Elliot and Emelia wanted but, using people for their gains isn't really something they want to do. 

"A former Baron of a small family out of nowhere becomes the Duke. Even nobles who have a lower position than you would be jealous and not only them but the commoner friends you have," taunted Elliot. While Duke Zed clenched his fist, keeping him serene.

"And what does the Emperor of the Vivan Empire wants? Why do you pester this man in his late 20s? I'm sure you have a reason you want me for something," gave in Duke Zed. His sharp question further interested Elliot. If this man was part of his council, he would shine even higher there. 

"I've taken my interest in you," answered Elliot as he continued, "Why don't you cooperate with me?" He smirked after. 

"Cooperate? What are you planning to do?" asked Duke Zed though knowing Elliot wouldn't answer his question unless he agrees to it. 

Elliot now understood that Duke Zed wanted to protect the commoners. Though it may not seem like it, the reason this party was being held was a secret charity. Those who attended the party had to pay in advance. That money will be sent to the commoners, especially those who cannot afford to pay the high taxes. 

Duke Zed is a man of his words. Once he agrees to it, he will do it till the end. That shows why Emelia wanted him by their side. The commoners trust the Duke more than the Emperor after all. 

"Princess Emelia will be revolting against the Emperor. She said having you by our side is a great asset," said Elliot, watching the blank expression of Duke Zed though his head was filled with questions.

"The Princess you say? So it's true that the both of you are lovers," Duke Zed's eyes grew wide in amazement. To think it was actually true. From what he remembers, when the Princess became a captive of the Vivan Empire, he thought she would die there. But it didn't seem like it. Seeing the expression Elliot made after mention Emelia's name softened him. 

There is one more thing why Emelia wanted Duke Zed is because he has not sworn loyalty to anyone. He doesn't support the Emperor and is just doing his work as Duke to help the people he cares for. 

"Princess Emelia must be here. I'm sure she is the one who created the rumor of her being abused by His Majesty," said Duke Zed, but when he saw Elliot's angered expression, he took his word back. "Don't tell me it's true?"