emperor chapter 13

Chapter 7 – Interest

I arrived far earlier than our appointed time.

“You’re late.”

Lowell was already in the Oracle’s Chamber, waiting. He wore the same monochrome attire as always, his posture relaxed. He looked exactly the same as the last time I saw him. It was almost as if the events of that day had been a delusion. His unchanged demeanor made me feel like a fool.

“Lowell’s just early.” I’d intended to greet him pleasantly, masking my displeasure, since it had been a while since we’d last met. However, my resolve crumbled like a sandcastle the moment I faced him.

“What is that dress? I haven’t seen it before.” Lowell gestured towards the vibrantly colored dress I was wearing.

“Hmph. You’re clearly not interested in me. I’ve always had this dress.” My intention was to sound so off-putting that he’d lose interest, but I’d underestimated just how far Lowell deviated from common sense.

“Ah… you wanted me to take an interest? Very well. I shall familiarize myself with every article of clothing, every piece of jewelry, every single gemstone you possess.”

“You’ve got it all wrong!” This wasn’t a joke. Lowell was the type to actually do it. Utterly taken aback by his skewed focus, I repeated my denial several times. “Please don’t. I’m begging you.”

“Alright.”

“Don’t bother learning about my dresses or jewels.”

“Alright.”

“And please, lose all interest in me.”

“That will be difficult.” I’d subtly thrown out a wish, hoping he’d take the bait with his perfunctory replies, but unfortunately, he didn’t bite. Taking my hand in one of his while keeping the other behind his back, Lowell knelt and lightly kissed the back of my hand.

“How could I possibly look away from such a beautiful wife?”

…What?

“Wait. Look closely, Lowell! My dress is incredibly colorful…!”

“I know. I was just about to say how well it suits you.”

“You don’t dislike it?”

“Why would I dislike it? If you’re basing that assumption on my own attire… that’s rather endearing, Miniel.” Lowell chuckled, and my heart sank. Had all my painstaking efforts been in vain? No wonder he hadn’t even glanced at Helion, who was standing demurely behind me!

At this point, I had no choice but to force the issue. I nudged Helion forward and awkwardly introduced him.

“This is Helion! You remember meeting him, right?” I’d thought Lowell was in a good mood, even laughing rarely as he did. But facing Helion, his demeanor shifted dramatically, starkly different from when he looked at me.

“We’re here to share the oracle’s message. Is the content of the oracle something to be shared with just anyone besides the Emperor and the Saintess?” His contemptuous gaze was fixed on Helion, but his question was directed at me. Lowell’s dismissive reaction, as if Helion wasn’t even worth acknowledging, was enough to fluster me.

“Of course not.”

“Then why bring him?”

“I’ll whisper the oracle to you. That solves the problem, doesn’t it?”

“Fine.”

“Ha… If you’re going to be this unreasonable… What? Did you just say fine?” My eyes widened in surprise at his unexpected agreement. This was unexpected. Since when were the Empress and he on such good terms?

“If you are the one who hears the voice of God, then I should be the one closest to hear your voice.” What was with this intense gaze? Turn your head and look at Helion! The one you should be focused on is Helion, not me.

Before the situation spiraled any further out of control, it might be better to be blunt.

“It’s quiet. Seems the oracle is still far off. Since we have time, how about entertaining Helion?”

“…As you wish.” Oh? That easily? Had my sincerity gotten through? Lowell agreed without further protest. He turned his head and looked directly at Helion.

“Let me introduce myself again. I am Lowellhide Viscatel Dalencia. I am the sun of the Dalencia Empire and the Emperor, its protector.”

“I am Helion. Your… Your Majesty.”

“Let me inform you, insignificant one, that when someone reveals their status, you should respond in kind.”

“I am a male slave. I learned a few skills from the slave trader who owned me, skills to please my master.”