After Putting the Slayer of the Night to Sleep, I Ran Away - Chapter 14

Unable to endure it any longer, Ayla burst out in anger.

“I said I won’t do it!”

Blocking her path was Claudia, Marcus’s mother, who had been standing behind him like a silent shadow.

“Silence! How much more do you intend to shame me?”

“Mother, I truly…”

“Do not make a fuss over something so trivial. Compose yourself and get into the carriage. At this rate, we will arrive later than His Majesty.”

With a cold warning, Claudia stepped into the carriage. Shuell followed her, wearing a smug expression.

“You’re honestly unbelievable, Ayla. Are you out of your mind?”

Adorned in luxurious dresses and dazzling ornaments, the two women boarded the carriage marked with the Everett family crest.

Meanwhile, Marcus, having escorted them, turned his cold gaze to Lord Rodrigo.

“Lord Rodrigo.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Prepare Ayla and bring her to the palace banquet.”

“To the Imperial Palace, sir?”

“There are rumors quietly spreading about the annulment of this engagement. The banquet is to celebrate the return of the First Prince. We cannot afford to lose face in front of everyone.”

Marcus muttered with clear irritation, then spoke more firmly.

“Do you understand, Lord Rodrigo? If she wants to become part of this family, she must handle tonight properly.”

“But Your Grace, I am not sure if the young lady will listen to me.”

As Lord Rodrigo hesitated, Marcus turned his eyes back to Ayla and gave a cold smile.

“Ayla Everett. I believe there is a little mouse in your room.”

Ayla’s eyes widened in shock as she suddenly thought of Bam, the cat she had hidden in the small room the night before. Despite her careful efforts, it seemed he had been discovered.

Her voice trembled with anxiety.

“You didn’t hurt him, did you?”

“That depends on how you behave today.”

“You wouldn’t…”

“So finish getting ready quickly and come to the palace. Do you understand?”

Without waiting for a response, Marcus climbed into the carriage, his presence as cold as ice.

Ayla stood there, staring blankly as the carriage grew smaller in the distance on its way to the palace. From behind her, Lord Rodrigo called out, his voice filled with urgency and frustration.

“This is not the time to hesitate, my lady.”

Ayla shut her eyes tightly.

She should have known they would check the small room if she was not in her own chamber.

But there was no time to dwell on regret. She took a deep breath, turned around, and headed back toward the mansion.

There would be time to despair or look for solutions later. First, she needed to make sure Bam was safe.

Leomond arrived at the Imperial Palace well ahead of the banquet and now stood face to face with his father, Emperor Friedrich Zigranta.

It had been twelve years since they last saw each other. Yet neither of them spoke.

They had once been a close father and son, but those days were long gone.

As the tea between them cooled, the Emperor finally opened his mouth, his gaze heavy and distant.

“You have grown well.”

“Does it look that way to you?”

“You must resent me.”

“What do you think?”

Leomond’s lips curled into a cold smile.

How could he not resent him?

At the age of twelve, he had been exiled to the North as though discarded. From then on, his life became a constant battle. Everything he once had as a prince was stripped away. He had nearly died countless times. There were moments when he wished he had died instead.

“Why even ask? Of course you resent me. Even I resent myself.”

A bitter smile appeared on the Emperor’s face.

Leomond stared at him for a moment, then furrowed his brow and looked away.

“Just keep your promise.”

“Do not worry. The contract is safe. Though there are a few small issues.”

“Small issues.”

A dry smile formed on Leomond’s face, despite its flawless, sculpted appearance.

All that needed to be done was to follow what was written in the contract.

He was to be officially recognized as the lord of Eisenfelt in the North and granted the title of Grand Duke. His territory was to be made independent from the Empire.

This agreement was already long overdue.

Did the Emperor not realize who had made it possible for the Empire to sleep peacefully at night?

“Are you sure they are only small issues?”

“Of course. They are things you and I can manage. But before that, there is something I want to ask you.”

“Go ahead and ask.”

Leomond gave a light nod, but what followed was a question from the Emperor that weighed heavily on his ears.

“Do you have no intention of becoming Crown Prince?”

A heavy silence settled over the table, and it was Leomond who broke it. The criticism in his expression was plain to see.

“The Crown Prince? Are you serious?”

“Leomond Zigranta, you have the right.”

“Even a stray dog would laugh at that. What right does a prince in name only have?”

“I am not speaking lightly. Edward is already eighteen. I cannot delay naming a crown prince forever.”

“Anyone would think you delayed it because of me.”

“Do you truly believe otherwise?”

That reply, barely different from an admission, made Leomond’s brow twitch.

To someone who had lived for years without even thinking of himself as royalty, the idea of becoming Crown Prince was absurd.

“I don’t need it. Why would I subject myself to that again?”

“Do not reject it so quickly. If you still feel the same after this social season ends, I will let it go.”

“A social season?”

“Did I not mention there were a few minor issues earlier?”

The Emperor chuckled as he raised his teacup.

“News of your return stirred up all kinds of trouble among the Empress’s faction. They are grasping at anything they can. So unfortunately, there are conditions. Starting this year, you must remain in the capital for the entire social season, like the other nobles. And during that time, you must find a bride and marry.”

“I did not realize marriage was considered a minor issue.”

“You are twenty-four. It is the right time. The nobles aligned with the Empress likely want to plant someone at your side, but if you choose well, it will not be a problem.”

“I refuse. I will not marry.”

Leomond’s face twisted with annoyance as he rejected the idea without hesitation.

Just then, a knock came at the door, followed by the voice of an attendant.

“Your Majesty, it is time for you to enter the banquet.”

“Oh, it seems we are being called. And you do not have a choice, by the way. I already signed and sealed the order. That is final.”

“You must be joking.”

“Come now. Take a good look at the banquet and see if there is a suitable young lady. It would be best to choose one that pleases you, don’t you think?”

The Emperor gave a hearty laugh and patted Leomond’s shoulder.

“Anyone will do, except that daughter of Marcus.”

By the time Ayla arrived at the palace banquet hall with Lord Rodrigo, the banquet had already begun.

Since the Emperor had already made his entrance, the two of them quietly entered without an attendant’s escort. Still, people began to recognize them and offered greetings.

“My, I was wondering where you were. So you were with Lord Rodrigo, Lady Ayla.”

“Good evening, Madam.”

“You look absolutely stunning again, my lady. Lord Rodrigo must feel so fortunate to be engaged to someone as beautiful as you.”

“What can I say? With the lady at my side, I am always happy,” Lord Rodrigo replied with a charming laugh.

Ayla gave a quiet sigh. Holding back the urge to rush to her father and confirm if Bam was safe was already exhausting. The thought of being dragged around all evening by Lord Rodrigo made her chest feel tight.

More than anything, she had been up all night after everything that happened. Though the high-necked dress and heavy makeup concealed the signs, her energy was all but gone.

“I need to rest for a bit.”

“Don’t play sick, my lady. We arrived late, so we need to make the rounds quickly.”

“I am not pretending. I truly do not feel well.”

“What a shame. That is hardly my fault, and I feel no need to be considerate.”

Just as Lord Rodrigo delivered his mocking response, a voice called out from nearby.

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