Chapter – 27
The Emperor slowly nodded at her words.
He looked as if he had expected her answer.
It made sense—recent events around Rapine had been so much in the spotlight.
Her abilities, the series of incidents involving Cedric, and even Elizabeth’s feigned illness.
Even without asking, there seemed to be plenty of reasons for her to leave.
The Emperor did not question further and agreed immediately.
“Very well. Then prepare so that you can leave as early as tomorrow.”
As he spoke, he studied Rapine’s face and added another question.
“Ah, is tomorrow too soon? Preparing everything in just one day might be too much.”
From his perspective, leaving soon seemed best, but he wondered if it might be too hasty for her.
But Rapine replied firmly.
“No. I am ready to leave even tomorrow.”
In truth, there was nothing she really needed to prepare.
Her lodging and three meals a day were already arranged, and she even received a stipend from the country.
Her needs for food, clothing, and shelter were all taken care of—thanks entirely to the Emperor.
Even if it weren’t for his request, she had wanted to leave the capital.
Rapine hurriedly expressed her gratitude.
“Regarding Cedric and everything else, I am grateful for all your care. I don’t know how to express my thanks other than saying thank you…”
“No need to thank me. Now that you are an Ability Manifestor, you can also help the country. Just think of us as helping each other.”
Rapine’s eyes widened at his words.
“Helping each other” with the Emperor felt far too grand—she was momentarily at a loss for words.
Before she could respond, the Emperor continued.
“I will make sure everything is prepared so you can leave without delay.”
“Ah, thank you.”
By answering, it almost felt as if she had agreed to the idea of “helping each other,” but she just smiled awkwardly.
“Ah, and…”
The Emperor suddenly remembered something and handed her a prepared item.
Rapine looked at what he gave her.
It was marked with the Emperor’s seal, resembling an identification token.
She had never seen anything like it before.
“Carrying this will be helpful.”
“This…?”
Seeing her confused, the Emperor explained.
“Simply put, it’s a token used by the Emperor’s secret investigators. It proves the identity of those who carry out the Emperor’s missions in secret.”
“I see…”
Rapine examined the token curiously.
“The system no longer exists. Long ago, Ability Manifestors would hide their identity and act under the Emperor’s orders.”
“Ah, I see. But I can’t hide that I am the eldest daughter of the Lobru family.”
“This isn’t for hiding your identity… If any trouble arises, this will help you.”
“Ah… thank you.”
“I have sent a letter to Count Shileang to inform him you will be coming. But I have not disclosed the details of your mission… So, if you must explain why you were sent, or in other situations, you can use your judgment.”
Rapine nodded and carefully secured the special token. She felt it might be needed someday.
“Outwardly, it will seem you are assisting Count Shileang, but I trust my secretary has conveyed the true purpose.”
“Yes. I will remember well.”
Monitoring the actions of the agents and helping Count Shileang return to his role—remembering Bayern’s words, Rapine felt the weight on her shoulders.
At the same time, she felt proud to be entrusted with such an important mission by the Emperor. She vowed to do her very best.
“Then, I wish you luck. I will occasionally send my secretary to the Shileang estate.”
The Emperor gave her a supportive remark.
Rapine bowed politely and left the reception room.
The Emperor watched her leave for a while, then sighed wearily.
Once the door closed, he removed his mask and ruffled his hair.
“How was it? I tried changing my voice a bit. She didn’t notice, right?”
Speaking to the empty air, someone quietly appeared from the shadows. The Emperor was not surprised—it seemed entirely natural.
“Yes, Your Majesty is so skilled at imitation that she likely did not notice.”
Bayern nodded.
“I don’t like deceiving her…”
The Emperor murmured, feeling a bit frustrated. But seeing Rapine’s smiling face eased some of his displeasure.
He hoped the day would come when he could show his true self to her. For that, he thought, Rapine would need to live a happier life. She needed composure to accept the truth without shock.
“Adjust the schedule so she can spend half a month each month at the Shileang estate.”
“Understood.”
Bayern gestured, and the man disappeared back into the darkness, wishing for Rapine’s safe arrival at the Shileang estate.
“Got everything? You don’t have much luggage.”
Bayern, worried, stopped Rapine as she tried to leave.
“There’s no need to carry more. No one needs to know I’m leaving. I want to go quietly, without anyone noticing.”
“Still, it seems too simple.”
Rapine chuckled and shook a small pouch filled with gold.
“I can buy anything I need along the way.”
“You shake that money pouch like you’re inviting robbers…”
“Am I stupid?”
Rapine scolded him lightly, then lifted one leg onto the bed and securely strapped the pouch to her calf with a belt. She layered her tights over it.
Her skirt rode up slightly, revealing her thigh.
Bayern quickly turned his face away, surprised.
“You… you are. A woman.”
“A woman, what?”
“Ah, I mean… anyone! Don’t just show your leg anywhere—”
“What do you mean ‘showing my leg’? And anyway, it’s in front of you, so what?”
“Even if it’s in front of me!”
Bayern looked like he wanted to argue but couldn’t find words. He kept opening and closing his lips.
“And don’t worry. His Majesty will assign guard knights for the journey.”
“So does that mean you’ll act like this in front of them too?”
“Am I stupid? I was just comfortable in front of you. I’ll be careful from now on, even in front of you.”
Rapine teased him, and Bayern’s expression changed this time.
“Ah… in front of me, it’s fine! You can do anything in front of me.”
Rapine laughed, narrowing her eyes suspiciously.
“Pervert. You mean I can do anything in front of you?”
“Ah, no, that’s not it.”
Seeing Bayern flustered was funny to Rapine, and she laughed again.
“Enough. Just joking. It’s time to leave now.”
“I’ll follow soon.”
“I was relieved knowing His Majesty occasionally sends his secretary. But you coming too? What a coincidence.”
“No coincidences. He just thought you’d be best helped by someone close to you. Ha ha ha.”
“I guess. Still, seeing someone familiar along the way makes it feel safer.”
Bayern grinned widely.
“I’ll go ahead then.”
“Okay, take care.”
Bayern, reluctant to let her go, suddenly pulled her close and hugged her.
