After all, when Damian and Sienna become lovers down the line, I can be less of a bother.

.As the thought formed in her head, it left a bitter taste in her mouth.

To dispel that feeling, Charlize changed the topic.

By the way, Damian.

Yes?

Shouldnt you be preparing yourself to see the Emperor?

Charlize was honestly a little worried.

Since Damian had won a tremendous victory, it would surely entitle an audience with the Emperor.

There was no guarantee that the Emperor would somehow not find the smallest fault and rebuke him on the spot.

But Damian was so laid-back.

Dont worry too much, Ive already thought of a way to lower the Emperors vigilance.

What is it?

Its a secret for now, answered Damian.

It must be a politically sensitive issue so its understandable hed be unforthcoming about it.

Charlize meekly nodded her head.

Damian looked down at her slightly disappointed.

Umm, arent you curious what the plan is?

Of courseIm curious.

So why arent you asking?

Well, there must have been a reason you didnt tell me, right?

Charlize stared at Damian incessantly, waiting for a reply.

Damian then muttered in a rather sullen voice.

Id still wish youd ask me though.

.what do you want me to do?

Charlize squinted her eyes as she asked Damian.

Will you tell me if I ask?

But that raises a question I cant give the answer to yet

Well then, why are you asking me to do this in the first place?! rebuked Charlize, unable to hold back her frustration.

Damians expression became sullen, reflecting his previous tone.

But I did want you to guess and ask me more questions.

This isnt getting anywhere, its just childlike banter

Charlize walked past Damian with an icy face instead of discussing the issue any further.

Damian rushed after Charlize.

Lize, arent you being cold-hearted with me?

Before you start complaining, try reflecting on your actions.

In response to that stern answer, Damian looked downcast.

However, she walked in a hurry, too occupied to notice.

Charlize out of habit ran her fingers through her hair, which Damian had tidied up earlier.

Once she realized it, she quickly pulled her hand away out of embarrassment.

.ugh, Im an idiot too.

Even though she disliked Damians childlike demeanor, she would end up giggling at his trivial actions.

That day, Charlize regretted deeply for not paying more attention to what Damian said.

I should have questioned him more clearly at the time! Maybe I could have gotten him to spill the beans she thought.

***

The next day.

The Emperor had arranged for Damian and Viscountess Antes to receive a reward.

This meeting with the Emperor would be attended by the dignitaries of the empire, including the Empress, Her Majesty, the Empress dowager, and the Duke of Rochester.

I also attended, following the Empress as her attendant.

Oh, its him.

The first person that caught my eye among the gaudy-dressed crowd was none other than Damian.

And next to him

Sienna Antes.

.ha, seriously.

I hate myself for thinking so much about Sienna.

I quietly bowed my head and concealed my expressions as I stood behind the Empress while she sat.

After a while, the Emperor with a loud voice made an announcement.

I congratulate the Northerners for their long and arduous work against the beasts, in return I recompense your efforts. Two hundred chests of silver ingots shall be sent and territories in the South shall be granted as your reward.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Sienna bowed, leaning her body inwardly.

This time the Emperor paid little attention to her.

I widened my eyes.

The Southern lands could scarcely be called farmlands, but they did have granaries and managed to produce crops.

Thus, in other words, it was a fairly valuable reward for the North which was stricken with food shortages.

As far as I know, this scale of compensation no doubt entailed discussion upon discussion before being passed at the national assembly

It must have been incredibly hard for the national assembly to have everyone agree on a worthwhile reward

I looked at the Duke of Rochester with a sympathetic look.

The Duke, who noticed me, shook his head with an exhausted mien.

Whoa, it must have been more difficult than I imagined.

While I gazed at the Duke, the Emperor spoke in a tone that was unfitting for the situation.

Let us also not forget the Crown prince and his contribution in quelling the beasts numbers. I and everyone else commend you.

Oh, youre rewarding Damian now?

The Emperor asked a question to Damian with a begrudging look.

Is there anything you want?

All eyes at the assembly turned to Damian.

So thats how it is, huh?.

My mood has turned a tad sour.

Not too long ago, Antes was given silver ingots and new lands.

The absurdity the Emperor had to try and wash his hands of Damians reward by asking Is there anything you want?

Damian opened his mouth without hesitation.

Im now twenty-one years old, Ive already become of age three years prior.

Well, get to the point.

So even if its not marriage, Im thinking of getting engaged sooner rather than later.

.engagement?

In an instant, the Emperors gaze became vigilant.

It was only natural for the Emperor to react to threats.

If Damian were to associate himself with a woman from a powerful family, he could be placed in a very disadvantageous situation.

Most importantly, did not he himself only succeed to the throne due to the aid of a powerful family, the Rochesters or to be more precise the previous Duke of Rochester?

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep