(Eh, this taste...)
I thought this while I continued to chew my sandwich, which had a crack as I bit into it, causing my brows to twitch.
(...... W-what did I just-)
Azazel's gaze was filled with anticipation as I carefully raised my head.
(... Why is he staring at me so intently...?)
When I took a bite, the sandwich in my hand trembled slightly.
"... Azazel.. Who made this sandwich?"
I asked, attempting to maintain control of my expression while trying to avoid chewing everything in my mouth, which resulted in a muffled question.
Azazel, on the other side, flushed again as he seemed to understand my question.
"I... I'm the one who made it."
He responded shyly as I almost choked on the food.
(H-he made this sandwich?!)
I've never felt so uneasy over a situation in my whole life.
However, after seeing Azazel's sparkling eyes stare at me, I couldn't bring myself to say it wasn't pleasant.
[2nd Prince's Palace]As he looked at Azazel, who was lying on his bed with a high fever, Olivier's eyes widened in surprise."You're kidding, right? Why did you get sick in the middle of nowhere with a fever?"He questioned, his brow furrowed, but Azazel twitched his brows in irritation as he tried to catch his breath.(I also can't believe I was so horrified that I had a fever as a result of a single kiss. Might as well just die.)Azazel thought, as he wished to die of embarrassment after recalling the events of their date the day before.(Ugh... My first kiss with Verena happened in front of a candy store in town.)If Azazel could, he would go back in time and stop it immediately before it happened.He wanted them to kiss for the first time at their own wedding. He wished for it, but it was crushed.His grip on the sheet tightened.(... Who the hell pushed Verena to the point where we kissed by accident?! When
[2nd Prince's Palace]Azazel was the one who held the blade in front of Olivier's neck, and he did so out of dissatisfaction and rage."How dare you...! When did I tell you to let that woman into my room, especially when I wasn't feeling well?!"He screamed furiously, while Olivier remained silent, his head lowered and his sorrowful eyes narrowed."Prince Azazel, please accept my deepest condolences. However, I believed it would be preferable if I could have Her Majesty's trust.""For what?"Azazel's sword trembled in his hand as he understood he couldn't kill one of his closest allies. He is well aware that Olivier has his own reasons for acting in that manner."I'm going to be her spy for you."Azazel's eyes widened at the unexpected response, and everything seemed to sink into his head as he finally grasped the meaning of that simple remark."... Ah."Azazel withdrew his blade as he let out a sigh, his face tro
[Vad Clan Territory]"It's wonderful to see you both again. I hope both of you will speak comfortably."Azazel smiled as he reached Edgar and Ethan at their house to discuss the strategy for the upcoming rebellion."... It's also a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness."Edgar responded, lowering his head in respect followed by Ethan."I came alone today because it was too risky. Please understand."Azazel smiled as the twins nodded understatedly in response to his statement."As you both know from the letter, I'm attempting to overthrow the current Emperor and I need your help. Also, if it's all possible, I would like to include all from the Vad Clan. If our rebellion succeeds, I will free your clan from discrimination in which you all can live freely in the Capital City and can freely go to places that they desire.""... How can we trust you?"Just as Azazel had predicted, Edgar glared at him with suspicious eyes.
"You have a lovely room."Verena raised her brow as Azazel walked freely around the chamber."So you've come here to perform your obligations as a husband?"Her cheeks flushed slightly as he turned his head toward her and nodded with a genuine smile, which caught her off guard."Well, I suppose that's understandable."Azazel chuckled as he approached her."As I stated in my letter, I was successful in persuading the twins to assist us."Verena smiled back at him."I have already read it.""Praise me."Verena looks at him questioningly as Azazel's cheeks flushed, and he scratches the back of his head shyly as he averted his gaze."... Can you praise me?"His crimson gaze landed on her aquamarine one, which was astonished.After understanding his words, Verena sighs with a smile and raises her hand to pat his head."... Good job."Azazel was taken aback by the unexpected gesture sh
"Would you do me the honor of being your life companion, Lady Verena Zielle?"I stared into his sincere eyes, and his voice was so loud and clear that it drew the attention of the other aristocrats.I could even sense my family's bewilderment at this unexpected event.(If only I could live a life like this...)I smiled at him as I nodded my head in delight.(Imagine how different my life would be?)"Of course, Your Highness Azazel, although your abrupt proposal has taken me by surprise, I couldn't be happier."I stretched my hand to him, and he delicately placed the simple diamond ring on my ring finger, his expression thoughtful."Oh, my~ I couldn't believe what I'm seeing.""Does this imply that the Dukedom of Zielle supports the second prince?""Look at how romantic his highness was~ They are such a perfect match made in heaven.""I couldn't believe I'm about to occur something that might shake the whole
Within a single night, words about the second prince, Azazel von Elysian, who proposed Lady Zielle of the Zielle Dukedom at Princess Charlotte's von Elysian 14th birthday celebration had spread rapidly.It has become the Empire's hot topic, and everyone is talking about it.[Empress' Palace]"It's exactly as you reported to me, Olivier."The Empress, Kalliste, smiled to herself as she sipped her cup of black tea and savored the flavor while enjoying the weather in the garden.Behind her stood the same messy dark red-haired man with exhausted jet-black eyes, struggling to stay awake from all the meaningless chit-chat.(Whatever... I only gave all the information except the rebellion. I even told her the truth, that Azazel has been keeping an eye on Verena for who knows how long.)"You've done well. You made an excellent decision."Olivier remained utterly silent, his hands clenched into fists out of sight.(...... I'm hop
[2nd Prince's Palace] "Olivier, what do you think the energy element is?" Azazel questioned, his gaze falling on me. I look upwards since I was sitting on the garden's grass while he stood in front of me. "The energy element is the force that can let us control our own elements." He nodded in agreement to my response. "That is correct. Though, every element is controlled differently. I'll teach you energy fire control because there's no one to teach you energy air control." My mouth opened wide in disbelief. "... Your Highness, what exactly do you mean? What I have is air, not fire." Azazel smirked as he put his hand on his hip. "You fool. I'm talking about the control energy. Listen, I heard that air comes from meditation and the mind, but that fire comes from the breath and the heart itself. You will learn how to control your energy element by using fire control." "Does that even make any sense?!"
I yawned as I proceeded with my work. I continue to scribble down a plan for the revolt that could operate while Azazel was at war.I haven't heard anything about him for the last 3 years. With that time compromise, I'm not sure if he's still alive or not.However, despite being unsure, I still believed he will be alive. He would have to if he's going to overthrow the Empire.(I've been preoccupied with having to take care of this palace and always prevent myself from meeting the Empress. This is getting ridiculous.)Before I could even take a breather, a knock echoed throughout the room as I invited whoever had knocked to come in.The door opened. A familiar man in his sixties entered. With his hazelnut eyes narrowed, a pleasant smile on his face."Are you still not getting enough sleep, Olivier?""Louis, why are you here at this hour of the night?"With wide eyes, I questioned, halting whatever I was doing to give him my comp