tyrant chapter 19

“Your Highness. What brings you all this way?” Duke Delkart inquired, raising his head. Though he felt it a brazen question, Karta smiled towards Fiogen, who was within his sight. “It’s time to take Fiogen back.”

“As I suspected, you knew.” Delkart gave a slight nod and immediately led the way, his expression serious, unlike his usual demeanor. Karta found Delkart’s gaze and manner entirely irritating.

“Delkart.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You’re disqualified.”

At Karta’s words, Duke Delkart flinched, turning around. With a look of injustice, he pleaded, “The Princess came of her own accord, Your Highness.”

“Are you claiming Fiogen barged into your bedroom uninvited?” At Karta’s question, Duke Delkart blinked, his lips parting as if to speak, but then he bowed his head without further excuse. “I apologize, Your Highness.”

Karta glared down at Delkart, murderous intent in his eyes. He was on the verge of striking him down when he saw Fiogen bounding down the stairs.

“Karta!”

Seeing Fiogen’s bright smile, Karta’s heart skipped a beat. Fiogen’s cheerful expression felt like a tightening grip around his heart. “Yes.” He forced a gentle smile, as if nothing had happened. Fiogen tilted her head, noticing Duke Delkart’s bowed posture. “Why is the Duke like this?”

Fiogen, her arm looped around Karta’s neck, whispered in his ear. Her reaction was ordinary, as if nothing had transpired. Yet, Karta’s anger remained. “In the Empire, it’s customary to bow before me. Help him up, Delkart.”

It was Karta himself who had vowed to do anything for Fiogen. He gritted his teeth, maintaining his smile. Oblivious to his inner turmoil, Fiogen helped the Duke to his feet. From Fiogen’s delicate hand, Duke Delkart rose.

“I was surprised when you disappeared.” He meant it. He, who wouldn’t bat an eye even if the Empire crumbled, found Fiogen’s disappearance that morning more devastating than the end of the world. Seemingly unconcerned with his feelings, Fiogen muttered while brushing off the Duke’s shoulder, “Duke Delkart is my… romantic interest.”

He clearly saw the shock widen and then recede in the Duke’s crimson eyes, and the deliberate turning of his head to hide his reaction. Fiogen couldn’t suppress her amusement and smiled. Serves you right for introducing your man to me, she thought, swallowing the words she longed to say aloud. Then, she patted Karta’s shoulder. “Karta, are you alright? You don’t look well.”

Fiogen turned to check on Duke Delkart as well. His pale face worried her. Honestly, she hadn’t anticipated any romance between them, so she was quite taken aback. However, thanks to their love, her life could be extended. It had to be true love. Of course, the timeframe Duke Delkart had mentioned was six months. Even for a Duke, evading the Prince and the Emperor would be difficult. Considering everything, the situation wasn’t entirely bad. At least, Karta didn’t seem intent on killing her immediately.

“I’m a little unwell,” Karta managed to reply, his lips trembling. Fiogen nodded, observing him. Now determined to live, she devised a plan: appear compliant to Karta to prolong her life, then escape with the gold and map provided by Duke Delkart.

“Your Grace, I’ll be going now. As you can see, our Karta is quite ill.” Fiogen emphasized the word “our.” If I bother you, start preparing quickly! It was the only threat Fiogen could manage. Duke Delkart’s expression contorted as he watched Fiogen’s triumphant face. Fiogen giggled, looking at her hand touching Karta’s arm.

“Let’s go, Fiogen.” Karta, his voice strangely bright, took Fiogen’s hand. His large, warm hand enveloped her cold one.

“Are you sure you’re well enough to travel? You said you were ill.” Fiogen reached out, blocking Karta’s path. Seeing his hardened expression, she smiled faintly. “We can rest a while.”

Karta shook his head firmly. Confused, Fiogen touched his forehead. “You seem to have a fever.”

“I’m burning with… anger.”

At Karta’s words, Fiogen’s eyes darted between him and the Duke. Even if he’s angry, why say it directly to the person involved? She stared at Karta, who then pulled her hand and led her out of the Duke’s estate.

“Get on.” Karta helped Fiogen onto his black steed. Startled, Fiogen, now seated on the horse, tilted her head and extended a hand towards him. Karta stared at her hand for a moment before taking it and mounting the horse behind her.