Chapter – 29
The Emperor frowned unconsciously at the sight of Cedric arriving early in the morning.
At first, he thought it was because Lapine had disappeared. But as he listened to what Cedric said, it turned out that was not the case.
What he said was so absurd that the Emperor couldn’t help but let out a small snicker.
“Those who possess special abilities should serve and dedicate themselves to the state.”
“…….”
The Emperor quietly nodded as if to say, “Go on.” He found it quite amusing.
Cedric’s words were wrapped in a seemingly reasonable argument, but the Emperor could clearly see his true intention.
He kept talking about special abilities, but in short, he wanted Lapine to stay in the palace.
In other words, he wanted Lapine by his side.
The Emperor found it extremely funny, given that he didn’t even know where she was right now.
‘Still holding onto his pride… what a pathetic man.’
Although irritation rose within him, the Emperor remained composed.
If Cedric truly wanted to keep her, he shouldn’t be here speaking like this; he should be going to Lapine, begging her and asking for forgiveness.
But Cedric was only trying to use the Emperor’s authority to keep Lapine by force.
“So, anyone who manifests special abilities should serve the state, just as those before them have.”
“Why make it so complicated? Isn’t this about Lapine Robru?”
At the mention of “Lapine Robru,” Cedric’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. But he quickly recovered, nodding shamelessly as he continued.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“You call her your fiancée, yet you speak as if about someone else. Ah, is it because you broke off the engagement?”
The Emperor smirked, teasing him.
At the word “broken engagement,” Cedric reacted. His face showed slight displeasure, but he forced a calm smile.
“Broken engagement? That’s impossible. There was only a brief difference of opinion.”
“A difference of opinion?”
The Emperor’s brow furrowed in curiosity.
“Yes, it’s a difference of opinion that can easily occur between a man and woman about to marry.”
“Oh? It seems our definitions of ‘difference of opinion’ are quite different.”
Cedric felt slightly irritated by the Emperor’s words, but he kept his composure and answered calmly.
“No, it will be resolved properly soon.”
“Really? So you mean the young lady of the Robru family will return to you soon?”
“Hahaha, there’s nothing to return from or to. I never even considered breaking the engagement—”
“Really? But the young lady of the Robru family didn’t say that. She personally asked me for permission to break the engagement. Does that mean she lied to me?”
“Th-That is……”
“That is?”
The Emperor looked intensely curious, and for the first time, Cedric was momentarily at a loss for words.
Yet, he still believed in himself. No matter what the Emperor said, Cedric thought he could make Lapine the same as before.
No matter how much she pushed him away, she had always followed him. He believed her recent behavior was just a brief rebellion to get his attention.
So Cedric gathered his composure again and calmly replied.
“It seems Lapine was upset because of my fault. I will soothe her and correct it. I am deeply sorry for troubling Your Majesty with a personal matter.”
“Ah, so you’re saying it can be resolved well?”
“Yes.”
The Emperor was astounded. Where did such confidence come from? It was almost astonishing.
He knew Lapine’s feelings well, but Cedric’s bold words made it feel like everything he knew was false.
Feeling suddenly weary, the Emperor decided it was time to stop this pointless conversation. He thought that learning Lapine had already left might help Cedric face reality.
“I see. So your suggestion is to find a way to utilize those with special abilities?”
“Yes. Long ago, those with abilities were assigned duties in the palace or led the vanguard in wars.”
“I know that too.”
The Emperor found the part about leading the vanguard extremely unpleasant. It sounded as if Lapine were being put in danger. He nearly spoke out but swallowed his words, deciding to continue the conversation.
“Yes. So I came to request that Your Majesty use special abilities appropriately.”
At first, the Emperor was curious about what he would say, but now the same words felt tedious. He leaned back, showing he no longer wished to listen.
Sensing the Emperor’s change in attitude, Cedric hurriedly concluded.
“Please allow her a suitable position. She will appreciate it as well.”
The Emperor chuckled.
“Not entirely wrong.”
Seeing the Emperor’s subtle agreement, Cedric smirked faintly and nodded.
The Emperor smiled oddly, motioning as if to say, “Do as you like.”
“Then, Cedric. Bring your fiancée to me.”
Realizing it was permission, Cedric smiled brightly.
“Ah, then it shall be done?”
“Do as you said.”
“Understood.”
Cedric bowed respectfully and left the Emperor’s presence, a triumphant smile on his face.
Now that he could have Lapine by his side, turning her heart back to him was only a matter of time.
He thought it best to meet her immediately, as she was still staying in the palace.
‘What should I say?’
‘She’s a little upset, but she’ll calm down soon.’
‘First, I’ll soothe her a bit…’
Cedric wondered how to approach her, believing that a few gestures of concession would quickly bring her back.
‘She’s acting proud now, but she won’t escape me.’
He smirked and soon arrived at the door to the room where Lapine was staying.
“Hmm?”
He sensed something unusual in the atmosphere around the room.
Though she was a special ability user, there were no guards outside her room, thanks to the Emperor’s favor.
“Strangely quiet.”
He looked around.
“Why is no one here…?”
Standing at the door, he stroked his chin.
He knew it wasn’t right to enter a woman’s room without permission, but she was his fiancée. Once they were married, they would enter freely, so why not start now?
He hesitated briefly, concerned she might refuse, but then turned the doorknob.
“Oh.”
Fortunately, the door was unlocked.
He stepped inside, slightly puzzled.
“No guards… how strange—”
Before he could finish, Cedric froze a few steps in, staring at the room.
The room was unusually tidy, as if no one had been there.
“Lapine……?”
Feeling something was wrong, he called her name. His voice sounded hollow, echoing faintly in the empty space.
“Lapine? Lapine!”
Finally realizing something was amiss, Cedric began searching the room.
But Lapine was nowhere to be found.
Only then did he understand that she had already left the palace.
It was far too late.
“LAPINEEEE!”
He shouted her name loudly, but it was meaningless; no one was there to hear him.
