emperor chapter 12

“That’s wonderful, Helion! Isn’t it wonderful that Helion is better, Raphaerd?”

“What do I care? I don’t understand why you’re seeking my agreement.”

Raphaerd adjusted his glasses with a huff.

“Helion must be troubled, with everyone he encounters turning out this way…”

“What was that? I couldn’t quite hear you.”

“It was nothing. Just thinking aloud.”

Several days had passed since my encounter with Lowell. Nothing had happened between Helion and Lowell. Not only had nothing happened, but I couldn’t even see Helion, confined as he was to the temple, unless I specifically sought him out.

‘As I thought… I’ll have to intervene.’

“Let’s spend the day together, Helion.”

“…Yes!”

Helion responded to my invitation with a determined, almost solemn tone. Could he be misunderstanding something?

“Just in case you’re wondering, it’s nothing strange. I just need to borrow your body for a bit.”

“…Yes!”

No, wait a minute. This isn’t right.

“I will do my best… to satisfy Your Saintliness.”

Before Helion’s misunderstanding could escalate any further, Raphaerd stepped in to mediate. He cleared his throat, drawing our attention.

“Cease these vulgar misunderstandings. His Saintliness simply wishes to adorn you.”

“Adorn me?”

“Yes. To arrange your hair and dress you in fine clothes.”

It was Raphaerd who had received the instructions to prepare the attendants. He might be a bit fussy, but a secretary is useful in times like these.

“Is that truly all…?”

Helion blinked his large eyes at Raphaerd’s explanation. I felt a twinge of guilt deceiving him, but there was a hidden motive: to present him to Lowell. Today was the day I was to meet with Lowell to share the divine oracle.

“Yes, that’s all.”

I had no intention of telling Helion the whole truth.

Despite his radiant appearance, his attire was still rather shabby, a remnant of his recent status as a slave market commodity.

There’s nothing like using beauty to one’s advantage. If he appeared before Lowell looking presentable, perhaps Lowell might take notice. Once Lowell showed interest in Helion, I could prepare the divorce papers with peace of mind.

The key was to style Helion to Lowell’s taste. I dismissed the attendants and personally took hold of his sash.

“Hngh…!”

Did I pull too hard in my eagerness? Helion let out a soft moan, as if in pain. His head tilted back, his silver hair cascading around him. His eyes squeezed shut, and suppressed breaths escaped his parted lips. In short, he looked… alluring.

Should I have him do this in front of Lowell next time?

“Does it hurt?”

“N-no… I can endure… this much…”

“Good, good. If you continue to be this obedient, you’ll be able to stay with Lowell.”

“And if I’m not obedient?”

“Hm?”

“You said if I’m obedient, I can stay with His Majesty. If I’m not, does that mean I can stay with Your Saintliness, Miniel?”

“No. It’s not about staying with me, but rather…”

If Helion doesn’t cooperate and things don’t work out with Lowell… then what happens?

“Hmm…”

“Your Saintliness?”

“…Perhaps a more muted color would be better! Here, let’s try this.”

Changing the subject was the best tactic in situations like this.

I steered Helion toward the clothing, having him try on outfit after outfit, from formal wear to everyday clothes. He had such a fine physique that everything he wore looked tailor-made. In the best possible way, I found myself struggling to decide what he should wear.

“This one… or that one?”

“I will wear whatever Your Saintliness desires.”

“They’re all good, but if I had to choose, the first one is better!”

I’d asked out of courtesy, but even before hearing Helion’s answer, I reached for the jet-black outfit. This choice wasn’t for me, but for Lowell.

Lowell always insisted on wearing muted colors.

No gaudy gold embellishments or excessively flamboyant clothes. Unless someone was forcing him, his usual attire reflected his preferences.

I dressed Helion entirely to Lowell’s taste, in dark, ebony hues. As expected, the black contrasted strikingly with Helion’s bright silver hair, creating a visually stunning effect.

“Excellent. Anyone would fall for you at first sight.”

“Truly?”

Was he the type to be easily swayed by compliments? Helion’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink.

“But what should we do? Because of me, you haven’t had time to prepare yourself.”

“Don’t worry about that. I’ve already chosen my outfit.”

Choosing the outfit was the most time-consuming part of getting ready. Indeed, when it came to Helion, his face was already so perfect that there was little need for cosmetics, and the makeup was finished quickly. However, trying on different clothes had taken a considerable amount of time.

I had decided on my own attire the moment I chose Helion’s.

Following my instructions, the attendants escorted me, clothes in hand. Everything happened in a flash. My preparations were complete before Helion even had a chance to feel bored. It seemed my decision to select skilled attendants specifically for this occasion had been a wise one.

“Lowell will surely run away screaming at this sight.”

“Pardon?”

“Nothing, just talking to myself. Shall we head over a bit early?”

“Yes, Your Saintliness!”

With Helion’s cheerful reply, we left the dressing room.

Red, pink, white, violet.

My vibrant, colorful skirts trailed along the temple corridors, a stark contrast to Helion’s monochrome attire.