48.
Kyle’s assessment was built on a simple foundation.
Despite the singular feat of entering the Academy as the top student, graduating as valedictorian, and passing the recruitment exam with record-breaking scores, Ri-Na remained a low-level clerk at the Ministry Of Finance.
‘She hasn’t cultivated connections with those in power, nor does she seem to have any intention to. She simply lacks grand ambition.’
She was the type of person who, if handed a blank check, would find the sheer limitlessness of it burdensome. She would likely just request a modest two-story house, enough living expenses to exist without the grind of survival, and perhaps a small safety net for emergencies.
Yet, watching her draw a firm, unyielding line with the House Renkels, it was clear that beneath that modesty lay a stubborn, resolute core.
In hindsight, the current situation—where Ri-Na remained oblivious to his status—was the best-case scenario for Edwin.
To ease the tension in Edwin’s expression, Kyle added, “I don’t mean you should keep it a secret forever. I mean you should put it off until Lady Diaz likes you enough that it won’t matter that Your Majesty is the Emperor.”
Edwin remained hesitant.
“Then go ahead and tell her the truth. Watch yourself get dumped by Lady Diaz for being a burden.”
Kyle had no intention of forcing Edwin’s hand, so he withdrew the carrot. *If he gets dumped, I suppose I’ll just go out for a drink with him,* he thought.
The moment Kyle began to pull back, a flash of fire ignited in Edwin’s eyes. *So, he doesn’t want to be dumped.*
Kyle resumed his provocation, driving the point home.
“Since Lady Diaz is a bride-to-be with no shortcomings, she’ll surely find another lover soon enough, even if it isn’t Your Majesty. She is at the prime age for marriage, after all.”
*Crackle.*
Fueled by a surge of irritation, the corner of the table Edwin was gripping shattered into splinters.
Edwin glared at Kyle as if he were looking at one of Ri-Na’s hypothetical ‘other lovers.’ The face of some future man, destined to appear after Edwin was unceremoniously discarded, seemed to overlap with Kyle’s own.
Kyle kept smiling, ignoring the lethal aura that prickled his skin.
“After you enter into a political marriage with a suitable noble lady, Your Majesty can simply bless Lady Diaz as she lives happily! Harmoniously! And prosperously, raising rabbit-like children in a cozy two-story house with her husband!”
*Crunch.*
At the mention of ‘rabbit-like children,’ another piece of the table gave way.
Wood splinters rained onto the floor in a flurry.
Ominous golden eyes bored into Kyle. Edwin wasn’t just angry at a hypothetical rival; he was angry at the man sitting before him.
Perhaps the provocation had been a bit excessive.
Ultimately, these words were intended for Edwin’s own good. But Kyle, who had only trained his body to the level of refinement expected of a gentleman, found it increasingly difficult to endure the pressure.
*Time to bring the carrot back out.*
Confirming his provocation had taken root, Kyle whispered like a hypnotist.
“Forgiveness is always quicker than understanding. Look at my father. He may be nagged, but he hasn’t been divorced.”
It was a carrot with genuine weight, rooted in history.
Kyle’s father, Terence—who had passed down warm brown hair, fresh green eyes, and a good-natured disposition to Kyle—was from a collateral branch of the House Robertus, the former Emperor’s closest confidant.
Politically, he was on the opposite side of Viola Seymour, a daughter of a vassal family who had served Edwin’s father, the former Crown Prince.
However, Terence, having fallen in love with Viola at first sight, severed ties with his own family—who were already estranged from him—and successfully married Viola after hiding his connection to the House Robertus.
At the time, the conflict was merely a matter of different camps; it was a structure where the Crown Prince, the confirmed heir, was pitted against the House Robertus, who supported the 2nd Prince to keep the heir in check.
It wasn’t a major issue, and Terence felt little pressure.
But not long after their marriage, the Crown Prince’s health suddenly began to deteriorate.
What began as a mild cold turned into a nightmare of periodic blood-coughing and seizures. Since the Crown Prince had been inherently robust, everyone suspected poison or a curse.
The 2nd Prince was the primary suspect, yet there was no clear evidence.
Every method at their disposal failed to identify the nature of the illness.
The Crown Prince was dying, the Emperor was aging, and his only son was still a child.
Eventually, the transition of power changed.
To the 2nd Prince.
The former Crown Prince, now a Grand Duke, went into seclusion after a private meeting with the 2nd Prince.
It was a choice made for the family and vassals he would leave behind, but for those left in his wake, it was a source of bitter resentment.
They watched their dying master and seethed in silence.
Seymour and Robertus were no longer just political rivals; they were enemies.
Terence’s situation became precarious.
Having already been struck from his family register, he had intended to hide his old surname forever.
But seven years into their marriage, the truth was unearthed.
There was turmoil in the immediate aftermath, yet the two remained a resilient, happy couple.
Their situation had been far worse than anything Edwin and Ri-Na faced.
“That is true.”
The realization solidified Edwin’s resolve.
In truth, it didn’t matter if forgiveness was harder to earn than understanding. He was satisfied simply knowing that the future where he tearfully blessed Ri-Na as she lived happily! Harmoniously! And prosperously with another man, raising rabbit-like children in a cozy two-story house, would not come to pass.
Edwin really, truly did not want to be dumped.
***
*I’ve ruined it.*
I was draped over my bed, only my upper body on the mattress, kicking my legs in frustration.
Far from offering a warning, I felt like I had only made things awkward with Everett.
I had been reckless.
I had overlooked the fact that even if an Emperor was a cold-hearted man who could ruthlessly discard subordinates, the other side could still harbor a deep, fervent loyalty.
After all, emotions are often one-sided.
Confusion, sadness, and remnants of other sentiments that were hard to read had flickered in Everett’s eyes.
*From now on, I won’t even utter the word ‘Emperor’ in front of Everett.*
I swore to myself again.
But regret is always late, and the words had already been spoken.
*I wish I could regress like the female lead. Just for one day.*
That wouldn’t work, though.
According to the official lore of this world, the only relic capable of turning back time was meant for the female lead.
And it was a one-time use item.
Across the entire timeline.
Only after kicking the blankets a few more times did I find the courage to face reality.
*I have to make up for it.*
Since I had lowered Everett’s favorability through my clumsy choice, I needed to secure something else to find comfort.
For instance, a new job that would bring me closer to the center of information typically withheld from a low-level clerk.
*He did say to find him whenever I was willing to join.*
I tidied my disheveled hair and checked the time.
True to its nature as a front for an information guild, Kyle’s cafe had long operating hours.
*It’s cutting it close. I need to hurry.*
Deciding to just get it over with, I headed to the cafe to accept the scout offer.
I walked at a brisk pace, bordering on a run, and fortunately managed to arrive before the cafe’s closing time.
However, I didn’t go in right away.
I couldn’t commit the faux pas of gasping for air while saying, “Please take me.”
*I should have exercised more.*
Watching the light reflect through the window, I caught my breath.
*I don’t see anyone. Is Kyle over at the guild building?*
My breathing stabilized, and my flushed cheeks were cooled by the tepid night breeze of summer.
*Okay.*
I slowly placed my hand on the doorknob.
Just as I took a deep breath to push the door open, it swung open from the other side.
Pulled forward by the movement, I found myself face-to-face with someone I knew all too well.
*Why is Everett coming out of here?*
Again?
For some reason, a strange sense of déjà vu washed over me.
“Lady Diaz?”
Edwin, who had been lost in deep thought, processed the completely unexpected encounter.
He called out to her as if to confirm, having recognized her face a beat too late, and Ri-Na replied reflexively.
“Oh, yes.”
Edwin, preoccupied with his own concerns, didn’t notice, but the tone was undeniably awkward.
It was Kyle who broke the standoff.
He had approached after seeing Edwin, who was supposed to have left for the Imperial Palace, standing awkwardly in front of the door.
“Is there a problem? You Majes…”
He broke off as he caught sight of them.