emperor chapter 10

“To celebrate your recovery.”

“You’re not being sarcastic, are you?”

“There’s no reason to be.”

Though the bottle appeared red, the wine poured a transparent hue. As if to prove it wasn’t poisoned, Lowell took a sip first. Then it was my turn.

“I don’t particularly enjoy alcohol.”

“I assure you, you’ll like this. I chose it specifically for you.”

Finding no excuse to refuse, I closed my eyes and emptied the glass. The wine Lowell chose was surprisingly…

“Delicious…?”

It was. A refreshing, pure taste, rather than a cloying sweetness. The wine, as Lowell had promised, was remarkably to my liking.

As I, more than satisfied, requested another glass, Lowell looked pleased.

“I knew you’d like it. I’ll have the same one prepared for you next time.”

Oops. This wasn’t the time for this. I should be focusing on Helion, not getting cozy with Lowell. Simply bringing them together didn’t seem to be enough to spark any affection.

“Yes, do as you please. You can do that, but…”

“You seem to have a request.”

“It’s more of a suggestion than a demand. What could I possibly demand?”

I’m a supporting character destined to die, after all.

“…Are you drunk? I’m worried you might start crawling on the floor.”

“I said I don’t enjoy it, not that I can’t hold my liquor. I wouldn’t get drunk from this much. And even if I did crawl on the floor, it’s none of your concern.”

“Why wouldn’t it be? How amusing.”

What do I have to say to make him believe me? I wanted to reveal my true identity, but I decided to stop talking about myself.

“The slave I brought today is named Helion. Remember that.”

“That truly is none of my concern. Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?”

“Not at all. I simply wanted to show you that I’m not a significant person in your life.”

After hearing my words, Lowell walked slowly towards the window without a word. He reached out and untied the curtain cords. As the window was covered by the fabric, the moonlight that had been filtering in was completely blocked. His expression and face were shrouded in darkness, leaving only a silhouette.

Losing my visual cues, I grew uneasy.

“It’s dark. What are you doing?”

“That was the problem.”

It wasn’t an answer to my question.

Lowell moved to stand before Helion. Unlike me, who was seated, Helion stood against the wall. He seemed more comfortable that way, so I hadn’t insisted he sit.

I wondered why he had gone all the way to the wall where Helion stood… Lowell offered Helion a glass of wine. Though his words were harsh, it was unusual for the Emperor to offer anything to a slave.

“Lick it clean.”

If only he hadn’t held the glass upside down.

The wine within spilled down. It was a red wine, different from the one he’d given me.

It certainly seemed dangerous… should I intervene? Or could this be a… rather twisted expression of interest…?

While I hesitated, the situation rapidly deteriorated. Helion seemed to have interpreted my silence as consent. Carefully avoiding contact with Lowell’s robes, Helion cautiously lowered himself to the floor. He then humbly bowed his head and brought his tongue to the liquid pooling on the floor. It resembled a large predator lapping up water rather than any sort of seductive gesture.

Should I step in…?

Just as I began to assess the situation, it took a sharp turn.

“Cough!”

Helion suddenly collapsed, wracked by a violent cough. Blood was mixed in with it.

“Helion?!”

I jumped up and rushed to Helion’s side. The area around where he lay was stained with blood.

“Cough, hack…!”

Helion’s coughing continued unabated. He clutched at the carpet beneath him in agony. Wanting to help in some way, I reached out to him.

But Lowell’s kick landed before my hand could reach him.

Crunch.

Amidst Helion’s groans, Lowell stomped on something hard. It was difficult to see in the dim light, but it looked like a small, bloody piece of meat.

Lowell stood directly in front of Helion, who was still prostrate on the floor. No words were exchanged, but I somehow sensed Lowell’s intent. I stepped in front of Helion, shielding him.

Fortunately, I wasn’t too late. I managed to stop Lowell before he could kick Helion in the face with full force.

“Stop it!”

What was he trying to do? He should be treating him well, not like this!

Hearing my cry, Lowell stopped and turned towards the window. With a rustle, he pulled back the curtains. The sudden influx of moonlight made me squint.

“I want you to understand. I’m quite prone to jealousy.”

What was he talking about?

“So, I won’t tolerate a lover. Absolutely not.”

What in the world was he talking about…?