traitor chapter 5

At the Emperor’s words, the two aides standing by the door paled, their faces like death masks. “In that case, I will not object. Thank you for asking my opinion.” Only the scribe remained impassive. Perhaps it was a mere facade, but outwardly, he appeared calm and collected.

Diana quietly observed the two aides, both deeply unsettled. The Chancellor and the Minister of Defense couldn’t quite mask their expressions. She read the confusion and anger in their violet and gold eyes. She had merely spoken of the general principle of taking a consort, yet such disloyal emotions, unbefitting of subjects, flowed from them. 

“And what of you two? Do you share the scribe’s view, or will you continue to challenge my words?” This question, seemingly offering a choice, carried an implicit warning against dissent. It was practically a declaration of her intent to take a consort.

The two men stiffened, their gazes fixed on her. “As you will.” Leonhardt bowed his head first. Mone hesitated a moment longer before inclining his head. “…As you will.” His voice held a note of suppressed defiance. Diana chose not to address it. They were capable men; they could manage their own emotions. “Rest until the meeting resumes.” As soon as the words left her lips, the two aides filed out. Only the scribe remained.

“Shall I give you some space to rest?” he inquired, gauging her mood. Instead of answering, Diana addressed him familiarly. “Ruby.” “Yes, Dian.” He responded in kind, using her informal name. They had been friends for a long time, and this was their usual exchange in private. She gestured to the seat beside her, and he accepted the invitation without hesitation.

“What do you make of Mone and Leonhardt’s reactions?” 

“They seem…unruly.” 

“Unruly?” Diana chuckled softly at the unexpected, almost flippant word choice. 

“Unruly, indeed. The man who meticulously arranges his potted plants according to their utility is now chanting ‘no’ based on some flimsy logic. If that isn’t unruly, I don’t know what is.” 

Ruby’s criticism of Mone was sharp. “And the Minister of Defense is no better. That man would cut off his own finger without a word if ordered. He’s usually so frustratingly silent, yet suddenly he’s voicing his objections to a specific matter even outside the meeting room… I suspect he’s been listening to ill-advised gossip and been swayed by it.” He showed no mercy to Leonhardt either.

“What do you think is the reason behind their behavior?” 

“Twisted jealousy.” 

“You’re saying they have feelings for me?” 

“Not necessarily romantic feelings, but feelings nonetheless. I believe it’s reasonable to assume they are jealous of the potential prince consort. It’s like when a close friend resents you for spending time with another friend.” 

“So they’re worried about losing my favor to a competent consort.” Ruby gave a small nod. Diana slapped her armrest and burst out laughing. “They lack faith in me.” “This is the first time you’ve spoken of bringing someone into your bed, consort or otherwise.” 

“Does that mean you disapprove of me taking a lover?” Ruby’s shoulders twitched, betraying his composure. Diana noticed his reaction, her eyes narrowing as a smile played on her lips. 

“It’s like children wanting to sleep in their parents’ bed.” 

“An apt analogy,” he agreed, regaining his composure. Diana tilted her head, studying his face with amusement. What did her closest confidant, her childhood friend, truly think? Did he have any personal feelings about her decision to take a consort?

“Are you alright with this? This feeling of resentment towards a close friend. It’s not so different from your situation, is it?” 

“I’m fine, Dian.” He used her informal name again, almost defiantly. He was serious, not a hint of a smile on his face. 

“You know no one can be more useful to you than I am.” Diana recalled the mark that had appeared on Ruby’s palm: the Heart 13. He was undeniably exceptional. But he wasn’t the only one with such a mark. “Even more so than your quadruplets?” “Of course.” His demeanor was not just confident, but utterly assured.

Diana eyed him carefully, a flicker of suspicion in her gaze. Did even this loyal subject, who never hesitated to challenge her, harbor secret feelings? His soft, reddish-pink eyes, which did not shy away from hers, were as calm as a deep lake.