Chapter 69

"Um, Your Highness..."

While performing his usual duties in Jesarudo's office, his aide, Filio, called out to him. Having served for many years, Filio seemed to have sensed that Jesarudo had finished a section of his work.

"What is it?"

"Well, I was hesitant about whether I should tell you this or not..."

"So, what is it?"

Filio, who was unusually vague, made Jesarudo frown. While others might have been intimidated by his expression and regretted speaking up, Filio knew that Jesarudo was simply curious. Resolved to continue since he had started, Filio said:

"Actually, I thought you should know that a bet is currently taking place within the palace..."

"A bet? I know that they occasionally happen, but what is the subject this time?"

Jesarudo was aware that bets occasionally took place among those who served in the palace, though he did not know who organized them. Participants were limited to servants, maids, and administrative officials; ministers, directors, and those with titles were not allowed to participate. —Or rather, it was supposed to be a secret.

This was because the subjects of the bets were often from the noble class. However, it was rumored that some ministers participated under pseudonyms.

"Your Highness and Her Highness the Empress," Filio replied.

"What is the content of the bet?"

"Based on the postcard, the bet is on whether Her Highness truly admires Your Highness... and whether the two of you really have a good relationship. If they do, Her Highness will blush, symbolized by 'Rose.' If not, Her Highness will look down, symbolized by 'Lily,' and the bet is framed in terms of flowers."

"Then, how is the result determined?"

"It seems that it will be determined by how Her Highness interacts with Your Highness when she returns."

Hearing Jesarudo's straightforward question, Filio realized he wasn't angry and answered with relief. However, Jesarudo frowned.

"If that's the case, the result can't be determined unless I greet her."

"Huh? You won't greet her?"

"..."

Filio panicked at Jesarudo's words. He had thought that if they were truly in love, they would want to meet as soon as possible after a long separation. Of course, the organizer, aware of Jesarudo's busy schedule, had set other criteria, but this would only strengthen the recent rumor in the palace that Her Highness's feelings were unrequited. Filio was deeply disappointed.

"So, how much did you bet on which side?"

"Huh!? Me!?"

Filio, who had been dejected, was caught off guard by the unexpected question. His response was quite suspicious. Still, he tried to compose himself and answered.

"No, I... as a party involved, I cannot participate... No, in the first place, I am not the type to—"

"Cut the formalities and tell me the truth."

As Jesarudo's aide, Filio, and the servant Dennis were not supposed to participate. Furthermore, the maids of Lilith, who were currently in Toisen, were also not allowed to participate. However, Jesarudo seemed to have noticed that many people used pseudonyms or friends to join the bet. He had brought up this topic to secretly find out the truth.

"Well... I bet half my salary on 'Rose.'"

"A month's worth?"

"Yes."

"I see."

Jesarudo nodded, seemingly understanding Filio's resigned answer. Half a month's salary was the maximum amount that could be bet in the palace.

"Then, I will also bet the same amount on 'Rose.'"

"Wh-What!? That's impossible! You can't participate as the subject of the bet!"

"You're using a pseudonym, right? Just give me a suitable one too."

"Then... are you going to greet her?"

"Who knows? Maybe, maybe not."

"Wh-What!?"

Filio, usually calm, was flustered beyond recognition. He had met Jesarudo over ten years ago on a battlefield, where he, the second son of a local landlord, had fearlessly challenged Jesarudo's strategy, drawing on his knowledge of the terrain. After the successful battle, Jesarudo kept Filio by his side. Despite being a second son, Filio had become a knight by force, though he was more of a strategist than a fighter.

Jesarudo left Filio, who was trying to regain his composure, in the office and headed to his room. Dennis, who was also not supposed to participate, was likely in the room. Jesarudo intended to ask him a small favor, knowing that he probably used a pseudonym to join the bet. Whether it was fair or not, there was no need to care about those who made him the subject of their bets.

Thinking of surprising everyone, Jesarudo smiled. Ignoring the fear in the faces of those he passed, he made various plans. His father, the emperor, would undoubtedly help. Suddenly, Jesarudo stopped, realizing a change in himself. He would never have thought of such a thing before meeting Lilith. Finding it both amusing and a bit regretful, Jesarudo laughed softly and returned to his room, once again instilling fear in everyone.