When The Moon Tilts West

Chapter 5 – Part 2

“Too many things are omitted. A man does not know all the psychology of a woman. How can he be so sure that she likes another man? Why is it that the man misunderstands that even though the woman wanted a relationship first? Does the man force her to hold him?”

“Tell me more.”

The man’s expression became desperate at the answer. She was just voicing her personal thoughts, as if desperate to want a lifeline, Olivia said, blushing and coughing in vain.

“So, I… I think we should listen to what the woman has to say.”

“What do you mean, listen?”

“Actually, what men know may be different. Was it for some reason that she was forced to have a relationship and fell into guilt after knowing it, or was it because of real pleasure, or…”

“Or what?”

“Has your friend misunderstood? It could be that the person she really likes isn’t another guy, but your friend, right?”

At those words, a strange smile appeared on the man’s lips.

“However, the woman did not give an honest answer. I heard that she was a little afraid of my friend…”

“Then, we have to watch. You have to observe closely and find out what it is.”

“Hmm… “

He shrugged his chin, seemingly lost in thought. Then, he grinned slightly.

“That’s a good answer.”

Olivia’s eyes widened at the sudden change of tone. As he clapped with exaggerated gestures like a theater actor, the servant brought a tray of drinks. He drank it gracefully. Marchioness Philistines also put her hand on the glass, familiarly.

Meanwhile, it seemed that she was the only one who was puzzled by the sudden change of atmosphere.

“Miss Claudel, please join in.”

“….”

“Huh? I guess you didn’t know I always drink something when I’m satisfied. The taste of this wine is especially amazing.”

She peered at the glass held in front of her and gave a puzzled look.

What was this situation, all of a sudden…?

Seeing her face, Marchioness Philistines burst into laughter.

“Your Majesty. You have to explain something to Miss Claudel. Miss Claudel is perplexed.”

…Wait, Your Majesty?

Olivia widened her eyes wide and looked at the man. An ordinary man with impressive blue eyes was the Emperor of this country? Even when she was in Roheim, she had never seen the King. But now, the man ruling the Empire was in front of her.

“Your, Your Majesty! Greetings, Your Majesty. I did not recognize you and dared to be rude…!”

Stuttering to say her greetings, she grabbed the hem of her skirt and took a bow.

“You seem quite surprised. I just wanted to talk to you, so don’t worry.”

Hearing that, Olivia trembled.

Oh no, what did she say before?

She closed her eyes and checked her own speech mistakes. However, her mind turned blank and she had no idea. Her heart was pounding rapidly.

“Your Majesty, look. She’s trembling like this. Poor thing.”

Marchioness Philistines said the words.

“My God, Jane. Are you blaming me for taking part in your pranks?”

“You were the first to play tricks on me. I am powerless, and I have no choice but to follow.”

As Marchioness Philistines spoke in a sultry voice, he replied with a soft sigh. “Miss Claudel, you have not done anything rude, so don’t worry. I promise on my honor.”

It was quite absolute to bet on the honor of the Emperor. Still, her trembling did not stop.

“And, what I asked earlier was about my friend’s concerns. Really, I was looking for an answer. It was a very helpful answer.”

Seeing Olivia’s face, the Emperor sighed.

“If I knew I would make you tremble like this, I would most likely be in trouble…”

“….”

“If I hold you back any longer, it will make it harder for you, so do this. As an apology, I don’t mind if you go back today.”

“Yes?”

“Isn’t it hard because you feel like a spectacle? I will invite you to visit the Imperial Palace later, so please enjoy it quietly.”

Being able to go back was a gracious thing.

To be honest, it was a waste of time to dress up, but it was said that she could get out of this uncomfortable place quickly. Besides, being invited to the Imperial Palace separately was like receiving a huge privilege.

“Instead, let’s have a drink to say goodbye.”

The Emperor uttered with a playful smile.

Olivia gazed at the wine on the silver tray. It was what the Emperor had told her to drink. Wouldn’t it be poisonous?

She stared at it with watchful eyes.

Looking at the Emperor’s face, he was still smiling. It seemed like she had to drink it even if it was poisonous…

When Olivia took the glass, the Emperor playfully clapped the glass and drank it. She was forced to drink along as well. The wine was fragrant and sweet. Even though her throat was burning, it was more delicious than she expected.

“Your Majesty!”

At that moment, Olivia could hear Leon’s voice.

When she looked behind, he was coming up the stairs. His face was terrifying.

“Oh, Duke! Long time no see.”

“….”

Leon looked at him with cold eyes at the Emperor’s deft words before turning his eyes towards Olivia as if asking for her explanation, then Marchioness Philistines.

“I escaped, His Majesty followed.”

Olivia, oddly enough, hated that look. It was because there seemed to be a familiarity that she did not know existed between them.

“My Jane is here, how can I not come? Because Miss Claudel was there, I was just consulting my concerns. You’re scaring me. Please don’t get angry.”

Why does His Majesty the Emperor’s voice seem a little intimidated?

Olivia tilted her head.

“Come on, Duke, don’t be angry and come here.”

After Marchioness Philistines had glanced at Olivia, she approached Leon and took his arm. The black-haired bewitching beauty, Marchioness Philistines, and Leon were a pretty good match. She continued to stare at them quietly.

“Jane, come on. It’s been a while since I came out for a drink with the Duke…”

“No need.”

Leon replied coldly as he removed Marchioness Philistines and immediately reached out to Olivia.

“Let’s go back.”

After hesitating, she placed her hand on his large one. The Emperor said she could go, so would that be enough? She glanced at the Emperor’s eyes.

“Wait, I never said the Duke could go…”

“Haven’t you already seen all the business?”

Leon stared at the emperor and spoke firmly.

Marchioness Philistines grinned. “I’ll go play later. It was nice to meet you.”

Leon’s steps were urgent. It looked exactly like ‘isolation.’ Eventually, he dragged Olivia away and disappeared. The man and woman left alone looked at each other and smiled.

The then Emperor ordered his attendant.

“Bring me one, no, five more. I can’t stand it without drinking.”

“Your Majesty, you must enter now…”

“Seeing a scene like this, I don’t think I can stand it if I don’t drink. Hurry before I drink the whole bottle.”

“Yes, yes.”

At the stern voice of the Emperor, the attendant ran to get alcohol. As the attendant disappeared, Marchioness Philistines began to laugh. So was the Emperor. They laughed together for a long time as if they had seen a funny comedy.

“Jane, did you see that? Am I really looking right?”

“Of course, you saw it right.”

She struggled to silence her laughter, though the effort was in vain.

“It’s such a fun spectacle.”

The Emperor said, shaking his head. Then, he asked Marchioness Philistines. “What do you think? Do you think it’s to protect that “love”? Or, you think it’s for pleasure, or…”

“Or?”

“Do you think it’s because our Duke’s love is not one-sided?”

Marchioness Philistines answered his question, covering her mouth with her hand.

“Well…”

“Jane, you are so mean.”

“There’s no such thing as a foregone conclusion? Eric, you need to be alert.”

At her words, the Emperor, Eric, grinned.

“It’s not that I’m ignorant, I just want certainty.”

“Miss Claudel gave you the answer in person. What more certainty do you need?”

“Is that so?”

He burst into laughter.

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As the two disappeared out of the banquet hall, Marchioness Philistines murmured. “But, it shouldn’t be too late…”

“What can’t be too late?”

“No, nothing.”

She said, remembering Olivia’s face as she spoke with a bitter smile. It was a face that had no hope, tired of life, a face Jane had seen too many times when she worked in a brothel. Jane felt sorry for her.

Nonetheless, Olivia didn’t ask for help. She couldn’t even ask Jane to help her.