Chapter 269 - Her Protectors

Although he often showed his true nature when it came to his daughter, the duke usually carried a calm demeanor. Nevertheless…

"What did the emperor say?" His ferocious gaze made even Max's knees wobble.

Swallowing nervously, Max explained, "At first, he asked me what I thought of Jubelian. He then told me that he would help me have her if I wished. I kept denying his speculations… but it seems he may be plotting something."

His gaze sharp, Regis asked, "When do you think he found out?"

"The day… I asked Jubelian for a dance." Max answered after a moment of hesitation. Regis' eyes grew cold.

"I am glad you are aware of what you have done—exposing my daughter to the emperor."

Max couldn't deny the criticism. He slowly lowered his head, wishing he could have been a little more patient during the banquet. Max only realized then why his master had only talked about Jubelian to a few people. 'It must have been to keep her from getting the emperor's attention.' Feeling pathetic, he clenched his fists. Just then, Jubelian grabbed her father's hand and smiled.

"Don't worry, Dad. The emperor will stop paying attention to me as long as Max proves his own words true."

Regis sighed at her optimism. "Jubell, this is not a matter to be taken lightly. The emperor is—"

"An ignoble man, quick to his wits," she cut him off. "He spots others' weaknesses well and is excellent at planning schemes around one's deficiency." She had said what Regis was going to say. His eyes widened. He couldn't believe his daughter had already realized the emperor's true nature. Although incompetent as a ruler, the emperor was skilled at defending his position on the throne. For this reason, he always played the dignified monarch at official events. Only the high-ranked nobles and close aides who met with the emperor often knew of his true nature. Therefore, it was strange that Jubelian had seen through the man.

'I'm sure she has only seen him a few times at banquets…' Suspicions harbored in Regis' mind.

Jubelian spoke again, "I understand that I may be ignorant at times, but I do know what kind of person the emperor is. He is our common enemy, isn't he?" Regis flinched. Nonetheless, Jubelian continued, "I understand that you are concerned for my safety. Still, I should be prepared to face the emperor as well."

Regis sighed at his daughter's words, then he wore a faint smile. "You're right."

Watching the father and daughter exchange words, Max was overcome with a peculiar feeling. He had, once again, been protected by the woman he initially thought he had to protect.

Initially, Max proudly thought that no one would be more suitable to stand by Jubelian's side than him. But the more he got to know her, the more he felt he was lacking compared to her. 'Do I deserve to be by your side?' he thought in a daze.

"Don't blame yourself for anything," her voice brought him back to reality. In no time, the lady had approached him. The moment he met her periwinkle eyes, Max realized his worries were futile. He ended up bursting into laughter.

"I don't know what you're talking about." he scoffed dramatically on purpose, and Jubelian grinned.

"I won't worry about it, then."

Watching her lovely face, Max pledged once again, 'I will protect you no matter what.'

* * *

Pretending to be the crown prince in his room, Victor cleared his voice once he heard a knock on the door.

'Okay. Make my voice as low as possible, and sound as irritated as possible.'

Victor soon spoke in a cold voice, "What is it?"

****

Hope you enjoyed it,

Love,

Biji ^^,

Feb.28.2024