For the One Who Hates Me - Chapter 32

Karl took a long time to answer. “It’s a political matter.”

Aura gave him a bitter smile. What “political matter” could he have with Duke Thane, who wasn’t even a minister? The concubine issue was the most political thing that could happen to a ducal family. Aura said with a sense of resignation, “If you want to take a concubine, then do it. I don’t care.”

I don’t care.

At those words, Karl’s hands, which were buttoning the last button, stopped.

“Karl?” Aura called him, sensing something was off. Karl finished buttoning the buttons and came to stand in front of her. His shadow fell over her face. Aura couldn’t understand. Why was Karl looking so angry? He was about to say something, but he held it back. He then changed the subject.

“I have one more thing to tell you, Aura.”

“Go on.”

“Don’t get involved with Lion.”

“First it was Isen, now it’s the Duke?”

“It’s only natural to avoid people who are suspected of treason.”

Aura let out a small laugh. “I’m the empress, and I can talk to anyone I want. I can even dance if I feel like it.”

“That sounds like you’re saying you’ll dance with Lion.”

“I’m saying that I have the power to make my own decisions, just like you’re meeting with Duke Thane.” She took a step back, as if to put some distance between them. Karl grabbed her arm to stop her. Aura looked at him and asked, “Why? Am I wrong?”

“No, you’re right. But I think you’re missing something. The walk you took with Lion the other day, who suggested it?”

“…The Duke.”

“I thought so. The Duke occasionally brings up your name. His actions bother me. If he wasn’t a royal, I would have dealt with him a long time ago.”

“…”

“Unlike you, I care very much who you associate with. Whether they’re royal or not.”

Aura’s eyes widened a bit at his words. Karl sneered. “What? Do I sound like a crazy person?”

“…A little.”

“Good. Then remember this: if you dance with Lion, I’ll go even crazier.”

Aura was speechless. She never thought he would be so openly possessive. Her Adam’s apple slowly rose and fell. His rough words scared her. But at the same time, she was curious. ‘If he goes crazier, then what? How far can you go?’

Karl finally looked at her dress. The tight silver dress flowed smoothly along her curves. “You chose a good dress. It suits you well.”

“…Let’s go. It’s time.” Aura turned her head, as if to escape his gaze. Or perhaps, her own thoughts.

The ballroom was unimaginably luxurious. The warm light inside seemed to chase away the chill of the long winter. The well-dressed nobles were whispering about Elise.

“Look at Lady Elise’s outfit. She’s usually so simple. Her intentions are obvious.”

“I’m sure Duke Thane put a lot of effort into it.”

“Well, she is pretty.”

Elise could hear their words, but she didn’t waver. She could endure the humiliation with her pride. Her eyes were fixed on Aura. Aura’s dress sparkled brilliantly under the chandeliers. Compliments on her beauty poured in from all over the room. But Elise was looking at something else. Aura’s straight posture and her calm, unwavering eyes. The way she smiled as if she had gracefully overcome the pain of her confinement. All of it was the kind of dignity she wanted to have. ‘I wonder if I can have a proper conversation with her, just once.’ It seemed impossible for now. The empress probably had a bad impression of her because of the rumors Duke Thane had started.

Meanwhile, Karl and Aura were dancing in silence. Aura was bothered by what Karl had said earlier. ‘Unlike you, I care very much who you associate with.’ He liked her, so it was natural for him to be bothered by Lion. The problem was the phrase, ‘Unlike you.’ She finally understood the meaning behind his words. ‘He was hurt when I said I didn’t care if he took a concubine.’ But Karl was the one who hadn’t properly explained his meeting with Duke Thane. Aura still didn’t understand him, but she decided to ask.

“…What kind of person is Lady Elise?”

“Why are you asking? You said you didn’t care.”

“Everyone’s talking about her, so I got curious.”

“How fickle.” Karl pulled her closer. His finger lightly touched the pearl buttons.

“…So, are you going to tell me?”

“Elise is…” Karl paused, choosing his words. “…pitiful.”

“Pitiful?”

Aura was surprised. She never thought such an emotional word would come from his mouth.

“Her father, the late duke, was very fond of her. He taught her many things. I think he was planning on passing the title of duke to her.” Aura thought of Elise. She seemed like a good lady, but a bit too delicate to be the head of a family.

“Before her father died, Elise was in charge of the family’s affairs. But when the Crown Prince took power, the current Duke Thane lobbied the royal family. And as soon as her father died, he took the title of duke.”

“Didn’t her father leave a will?”

“No, he didn’t.”

“That’s strange. It’s customary for family heads to leave a will.”

“I don’t know. Maybe it was Elise’s bad luck, or maybe there was a plot.”

Aura could guess what Duke Thane was thinking. ‘He wants to push Elise to become a concubine. It would connect him to the royal family and completely remove Elise from the battle for the title.’

It was a despicable method. She understood the meaning of the word “pitiful.” But she didn’t exactly like the word.

Tap. Karl’s fingertip touched a button. She thought it was a mistake, but he playfully touched it again.

“Be careful. It might come undone.” His eyebrow slightly went up and down. “Aura.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s do this. You and I will only dance this one song. It’s fair.”

Aura suddenly realized that just as she could dance with Lion, he could also dance with Elise. Just then, the first song ended. The nobles were returning to their seats. But Karl didn’t let go of Aura.

“Answer me.”

Instead of answering, Aura kissed her fingertips and placed them on Karl’s cheek. “Let me think about it.”

Karl flinched at her playful gesture. Aura didn’t miss the opportunity and slipped away from him.

Just as Karl was about to follow her, a group of ministers surrounded him. “Your Majesty, we need to urgently discuss the fur trade. Could you spare some time for us?”

Fur was a major export of the Kasa Empire. The price, quantity, management, and quality of the fur were very important. ‘If we start now, I’ll be stuck for half a day.’ But he couldn’t put off a matter like this. He let out a sigh and nodded.

“Alright. Let’s talk.”

“Yes. Then let’s go to the lounge for a bit.”

Karl and the ministers went to the lounge attached to the ballroom.

Aura was resting, accepting the nobles’ greetings. She saw Elise and Duke Thane in the distance. Many young men were glancing at Elise, but they couldn’t approach her because Duke Thane was with her.

And, of course, Lion came over to Aura.

“Empress.”

“Duke. Are you enjoying the ball?”

“Yes. The banquets in the capital are always so lively. Everyone is so full of energy.”

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. I heard you’re preparing to return to Sutra soon.”

“Yes. I plan to leave after this ball.”

“That’s a shame, Duke. We haven’t had much time to talk.”

Lion smiled and offered his hand to Aura. “The music is wonderful. You’ve only danced one song, haven’t you? Dance with me.”

Was it because of the northern blood in him? His hand was pale and cold. Lion was already in Karl’s bad graces. He probably wouldn’t be able to return to the palace for a long time after this. If she was going to get information about the Pin, this was her last chance.

He seemed to sense her conflict and added, “You don’t have to talk to me. Just dance.” He was saying he would tell her everything without a price.

Aura thought about it and then opened her mouth. “Duke.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Can a person drink saltwater when they are thirsty?”

Lion’s face hardened. The meaning was clear. You are not a trustworthy person, and I won’t listen to anything you have to say.

“Hah.” Lion let out a sharp laugh. He stifled his laughter and knelt on one knee. “Please, your hand.”

“…”

“I would like to say goodbye before I leave.”

Aura finally offered her hand. Lion’s hand was, as expected, cold. He seemed to have blue blood running through his veins.

“The Empress is a woman who is interesting enough to make me angry.”

‘He’s calling me interesting again.’ Lion kissed the back of Aura’s hand. And then, he said in a low voice, “You will want to see me again soon. When that happens, come to Sutra.”

“That won’t happen.”

“…I will be waiting.”

Lion smiled and let go of her hand. He then left the ballroom, as if he had no reason to be there anymore.

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