Chapter 34
Rachel’s eyebrow twitched. She hated silence, yes—but this wasn’t what she wanted either. Narrowing her eyes, she turned her head to the side.
As always, the Emperor’s handsome face came into view. Beyond his jawline, she could faintly see the stables in the distance.
Rachel had half a mind to question Killian about why he even asked for a tour of the palace. But just then, she noticed him glance over at the stables.
‘Huh? What’s this now?’
Her curiosity piqued, she quietly observed Killian. Though he brushed off her explanations with indifference, his gaze remained fixed on the stables. His teal eyes subtly shifted in that direction, and for a moment, they even seemed to glimmer with interest.
‘Does he like horses? Well, he did take good care of them during yesterday’s hunting tournament.’
Yesterday, every time he mounted or dismounted, he had stroked the horse’s neck to soothe it. He had tied the reins with care, and even after returning from the forest, he had tended to the horse first.
Yeah—he definitely likes horses.
It wasn’t hard for Rachel to figure him out. She herself wasn’t fond of horseback riding, so she had never really liked horses. But she didn’t dislike them either. Compared to droning on about palace history, watching horses together sounded like a much better option.
“Your Majesty.”
“Has the year 679 already come to an end?”
“No, but honestly, it’s getting boring. Want to go see the horses?”
“…Horses?”
“Yes. You like horses, don’t you?”
At the unexpected suggestion, Killian looked at Rachel.
It was true—he did like horses very much.
But he hadn’t expected her, who couldn’t even ride, to bring up such an idea.
‘Yesterday she almost cried when she was found out for not being able to ride. Now she suddenly wants to see horses?’
Curious about her intentions, Killian stared at Rachel.
She tilted her head at his gaze.
“Why are you looking at me like that? Is horse-watching not your thing?
My father owns some prized stallions, so it should be worth it.”
Killian’s ears perked up.
He was about to ask what kind of prized stallions she meant,
but realizing how excited he sounded, he quickly shut his mouth.
No matter how interesting the subject, he couldn’t let his composure slip in front of that woman.
After a moment’s pause, he responded in a dignified tone,
“…If you insist, I suppose I’ll go.
They can’t possibly compare to the imperial horses, though.”
“Oh.”
At that remark, Rachel let out a mocking little exclamation.
The way he spoke so smugly—it had to be a natural-born talent.
Clicking her tongue inwardly, she turned her gaze away from Killian.
Someone that full of himself needed a little punishment.
“You’re right. I didn’t think it through. The Empire must have far better horses.
If you’re not really interested, we can just go.”
“……Hm?”
“If we go straight, we’ll reach the knights’ quarters.
That building was built 679 years ago—it’s an arched structure.”
“…”
Killian faltered, caught off guard.
His walking pace, which had been in step with Rachel’s, slowed slightly.
Without meaning to, his eyes flicked toward the stables.
Rachel, who had walked ahead, stopped and turned to look at him.
See? If you like them, just say you like them.
Why can’t he be honest with himself?
The emperor’s lack of honesty was amusing—
but the way he nervously rolled his eyes was kind of cute.
Rachel kept the smirk from rising to her lips and spoke.
“You’re coming to see the pretty and fine horses, right?”
She put special emphasis on the words “pretty and fine.”
It was her way of lightly scolding the emperor for his earlier arrogance.
Naturally, Killian understood her implication.
Realizing he’d just taken a hit, he let out a small chuckle.
“…Heh.”
“What a truly rude and strange woman.”
The muscles in his cheeks, lifted from laughter, felt unfamiliar. He straightened his mouth into a line and looked back at Rachel.
Her retort was absurd, but it didn’t leave him in a bad mood.
Rather, it was a bit fascinating and amusing, so he gave a nod to her, whose lips were twitching as if she were trying to hold back a smile.
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