Chapter 268 - Please Get Along, You Two

As the two glared at each other, the lady mumbled softly, "I just want you to get along well…" The two men turned to the lady only to have their hearts break at the sight of Jubelian watching them with a sullen face.

'Perhaps we will pretend for now…' Regis and Max were exchanging glances when Jubelian delivered the final blow.

"It will make me upset… to see both of you constantly fight like this." There were now tears welled up in her periwinkle eyes. At the mention of her being upset, Regis was unsettled.

"Jubell, I…"

Max raised his voice suddenly. "Jubelian! What are you talking about?! It's nothing like that! Don't you know how much I respect Master? He has protected me ever since I was little!"

'B*stard. He had never listened to my advice even after I saved him from death's door. He is lying through his teeth,' Regis scowled.

"Is that true?"

"Of course."

Her eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled. "I'm glad."

Regis sighed at her daughter's naivety. He couldn't believe she trusted Max to this extent. In any case, his innocent little girl was before him in no time.

"Dad," she called.

"Yes?" Regis flinched slightly but answered calmly, hiding his nervousness.

Jubelian soon parted her coral lips. "You've protected Max since he was young, right?" Remembering the young Max, Regis wore a bitter smile.

"I will make sure to repay this favor in the future," his disciple had said.

Instead of repaying the favor, however, Max was now hovering around the person most precious to Regis. He was irritated. He wanted to let out a loud sigh to show he was annoyed. Nonetheless, Regis knew deep inside that he could not blame his disciple. After all, Jubelian liked Max too.

"Yes, I have."

Taking Regis' hands, Jubelian smiled. "Does that mean Max is a precious person to you as well?"

Regis recalled Max's youthful face. The hostile boy had looked at the duke's eyes and said, "I won't bow down to you for saving me. However, I will remember the grace you've shown me."

'He's arrogant… but…' Regis sighed and nodded.

Beaming, Jubelian asked, "Then, why don't you two shake hands as a means of reconciliation?"

Regis nodded. Max glared at his master but soon sighed and approached him. "Master, I'm sorry for all the wrongs I've done until now." At Max's apology, Regis smiled slightly. Taking his pupil's outstretched hand, he gave a slow handshake. Max couldn't help but raise the corners of his lips once he saw Jubelian's expression brighten. 'At least I get to see her smile like that… This might be worth—' His thoughts were cut short by the terrifying force that gripped his hand. He barely swallowed a groan. 'What was that about?!'

Regis also smiled, watching his disciple who was unable to loosen his face and was forcing a smile. 'You impudent fool. Just know that I have no intention of handing her over yet.'

* * *

I watched my father as he nodded. His expression was more stern than usual. 'Well, it is true that he cherishes his disciple a lot. I even misunderstood their relationship in the past.' I grinned at Max, who was standing still, looking at me. "Then, why don't you two shake hands as a means of reconciliation?"

They shook hands awkwardly. When I found out that they were at odds, I had first wanted it to resolve naturally. However, Max and Dad began to show more hostility toward each other as the days passed. There was no sign of them making up, and I had decided I couldn't just leave them be; that was why I had faked my emotions.

'It was a little embarrassing because I sounded like a little girl, but I'm glad it worked out in the end.' Seeing the two smile, I felt warm inside. "We should have teatime—with some sweets too!" I suggested.

Act 20. I Can't Take It Anymore!

Cursing inwardly about his still numb hands, Max massaged them. He gritted his teeth and then realized a certain someone's gaze was on him.

"Max, what's wrong?"

Shaking his head, Max forced a smile. "Haha! Nothing! I suddenly remembered something that happened on a battlefield once…"

Jubelian's eyes widened. "It must have been terrible if it suddenly disrupted your thoughts like that!"

"Yes, it was," Max nodded then sighed softly. 'She's usually slow to notice these things… So why is she so sharp today?'

"Anyway, what was the thing you needed to tell me that you even left behind your duties as the crown prince?"

Max frowned. 'Should I tell her the truth?' he agonized for a moment before coming to a decision. 'Yes. She needs to prepare for the worst that could happen.' Looking at the lady, Max began, "Last night, the emperor asked me what I thought of you. He then tried to convince me that he could let me have what I wanted."

Jubelian widened her eyes, and…

"Say that again, Maximilian." His master snarled. There was a dangerous gleam in his eyes.

****

Hope you enjoyed it,

Love,

Biji ^^,

Feb.28.2024