emperor chapter 5

Chapter 3 – Lies

It was unexpected that he agreed so readily. I had anticipated at least two or three more questions about what I intended to buy, whether I could purchase it myself, or anything of the sort. Lowell simply nodded indifferently and escorted me outside the imperial palace. Mindful of his conspicuousness, he hadn’t forgotten to don a large robe, a precaution I myself had also taken. How had things come to this? I found myself traversing the crowded square under the bright sun, alongside Lowell.

Merchants raised their voices, vying for attention amidst the noisy, chaotic scene. Yet, somehow, I didn’t miss Lowell’s quiet words. “Our first date.”

Perhaps it was the sheer audacity of the statement that made my mind reel. Lowell’s casual remark left me utterly bewildered. “While I appreciate the sentiment, this is merely an incognito outing. Think of it as the emperor observing his people’s lives. And while I’m at it, I’ll pick up a gift for myself.”

“The more you explain, the more it sounds like a date.”

“….”

Best not to argue.

Lowell, before meeting Helion, was… milder. Perhaps because he exerted less control, there was a playful side to him. As I racked my brain for a retort, I felt a burning gaze upon us.

Oh no. At some point, Lowell’s hood had slipped back, revealing a sliver of his face, obscured by dark hair. It was enough to draw attention. I hastily adjusted his robe. I never thought I’d miss the indifferent Lowell. Perhaps bored with being passively attended to, he spoke again. “Everyone is looking at us.”

“I know. It’s because you didn’t wear your robe properly. What if your identity is discovered?”

“It’s fine. I have a way to prevent that.”

“What is it? Just so you know, violence is not an option.”

“Hmm… as you may or may not know, I’m not particularly fond of violence.”

“But you are fond of lies?”

“I’m not.”

“Wait. Why are you…!”

…The fabled kabe-don. I never thought I’d experience it firsthand. Without warning, Lowell extended his arm, trapping me against the wall. Gasps of disappointment rippled through the onlookers. Were they more interested in that aspect than his identity? Realizing their object of admiration was already taken, the spectators dispersed, returning to their own affairs.

Body and mind frozen, I was the only one left rooted to the spot. I glared at Lowell, attempting my fiercest expression.

“Well, well. It seems to have worked.”

His feigned surprise and teasing tone were infuriating.

“Liar.”

“Scold.”

“What? I never used foul language.”

“And you, madam, when did I ever lie?”

When did he even…? In Lowell’s hand was a green apple. An ordinary apple, but held by him, it seemed like a poisoned fruit. A random gift at a random time. I couldn’t let it go without questioning his intent.

“What’s this?”

“An apple.”

“I know that. I’m asking why you’re giving it to me.”

“Isn’t it obvious? You give fruit to someone who’s ill.”

Wait. So Lowell being conveniently near the temple…

“You came all this way to give me this…?”

“You give fruit to someone who’s ill.”

Lowell responded as if reciting a mathematical formula. Knowing his personality, he couldn’t have come up with this on his own. It must have been his advisor’s suggestion. And for him to receive such advice, he must have mentioned me.

Lowell talked about me to someone? Although milder then, this was the same man who would ruthlessly deal with Helion. It was hard to imagine him asking his advisor about something so trivial.

Giving up on such absurd speculations, I took a bite of the apple.

“Delicious.”

It was tasty and poison-free. Crunching on the apple, I subtly expressed my gratitude to Lowell.

“Eat up and get well soon.”

“Get well?”

“You said you were ill.”

“…Ah.”

I’m not good at lying. Careless for even a moment, and I’m immediately exposed.

“So it was a lie after all.”

“This apple is really delicious!”

“Trying to change the subject, are we? Well, whatever. I didn’t know you liked apples.”

“Not particularly, but… I should show appreciation for the thought.”

“The thought.”

Lowell repeated the word, like a child learning about emotions for the first time.