Chapter 10
He hadn’t expected the new medication to be this effective. Taking it before the banquet had been a mistake. Killian inwardly scolded himself for not anticipating this situation.
“Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?”
The king looked at the blushing emperor with concern. Killian forced a smile to his lips.
“I’m fine.”
“But your face is red. I’m worried you might have caught a cold.”
The king’s concern didn’t ease, and as the eyes of the royal family turned toward him, Killian felt increasingly awkward. Why had he come all the way to Porhen to consult a doctor discreetly? It was to avoid creating any rumors about his condition.
Yet if word got out that the emperor took impotence medicine and then got aroused at a royal banquet, it would be enough to make him want to die from humiliation.
“It’s just… I think my body is still tired from the long carriage ride. I rested before the banquet, but the fatigue hasn’t quite worn off.”
“Ah, in that case, would you like to retire early and get some rest?”
“This is a royal banquet—how could I excuse myself?”
“Just having Your Majesty here in good health is an honor in itself. Our princess will escort you to your chambers—”
“…so please, go and rest comfortably.”
The king, who had been waiting for the perfect moment to tie his daughter to the emperor, seized the opportunity naturally.
“What? Fath—”
Rachel, suddenly called out, was startled and tried to call her father. However, her voice was drowned out by the king’s following words.
“Your Majesty, your complexion truly does not look well. We are perfectly fine, so please don’t trouble yourself.”
*‘Trying to tie me to the princess, is he?’*
Killian immediately caught on to the king’s intention. But he wasn’t in any condition to refuse. The blood that had been circulating rapidly in his lower half was now pooling directly at the center. He hadn’t yet suffered the misfortune of visibly arousing himself in front of everyone, but it was only a matter of time.
“If that is the case… I’ll accept the escort.”
Suppressing his ragged breathing, Killian rose from his seat. Normally, he would’ve flatly refused the escort of such a promiscuous princess, but at this moment, he was desperate. He needed to return as quickly as possible.
“Wait just a moment.”
Oddly enough, the only one voicing displeasure at the situation was Rachel. Wasn’t she the one who had resolved to avoid getting entangled with the impotent emperor? She tried to resist, even slightly, but her protest was once again buried beneath her father’s raised voice.
“My brothers are—”
“What are you doing not escorting His Majesty?”
The king gazed at Rachel with eyes filled with quiet fury. Then, he gestured toward Killian, who was heading for the exit.
Once the king reached that point, Rachel had no choice but to follow. Though usually gentle, her father could be truly terrifying when angry.
‘Haah, what a life I lead…’
Rachel sighed and quickly moved her feet. Perhaps the emperor really wasn’t feeling well—his pace was not fast. With just a bit of effort, she caught up to him as he was just stepping out of the banquet hall.
“Maria, only you accompany the princess.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Just before the door closed, the king’s voice giving orders to the maid could be heard.
Rachel clicked her tongue inwardly. Sending only one maid? He really must want them to be alone. Not that it mattered much when the emperor’s attendants and knights were tagging along in a long procession anyway.
More than anything, she had not the slightest intention of getting along with the emperor. Rachel grumbled silently as she adjusted her pace to match Killian’s.
Since it was the middle of the evening banquet, darkness had settled over the palace. Candles placed here and there, along with lamps held by servants, illuminated the path beneath their feet.
“…Your Majesty, are you feeling all right?”
“I’m fine.”
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