Chapter 83
Igmeyer was the hearth fire in her heart. The gentle warmth he radiated continued to sustain her even today.
So, Amber could confidently say that she trusted him.
“…Ah, I envy you. To have such remarkable trust. The Grand Duke is indeed fortunate.”
The prince, who had been silently observing Amber, cleared his throat and glanced aimlessly at the sky. He seemed to have a slight hoarseness in his voice, but Amber tactfully overlooked it.
“Trust is a more important value than love, so it’s good that the Grand Duke receives it.”
“I can only hope that my feelings are being conveyed well.”
Amber shrugged lightly and reached for a cookie.
This cookie, and the tea now in her cup, all were bought with the money earned through Igmeyer’s hardships.
He fought monsters, earned money drenched in blood, and managed his estate with the earnings. Amber now understood it all clearly. How could she not admire him?
This vast North relied solely on Igmeyer. He was Niflheim itself, and there was no one who could replace him.
Things unseen in the past were now becoming clear to Amber. For that, she was grateful in her regression.
* * *
After that conversation, light-hearted banter followed.
Once teatime was over, as they strolled through the elegant garden, Loki casually kicked a pebble.
“Tch.”
He felt frustrated for no apparent reason.
Even without deep thinking, it was clear where this frustration stemmed from.
The graceful demeanor, the firm words, the royal dignity, the delicate appearance, and the resolute beliefs of the one he desired trust and friendship from. Though he knew she wasn’t his to claim, the temptation was there.
‘This shouldn’t be, but… What if she was to protect and defend me with such a look?’
The Grand Duke was fortunate. To have someone support him like that.
Loki puffed up his cheeks with dissatisfaction and suddenly halted his steps. It was because of a fleeting thought that crossed his mind.
‘If Nidhogg were to die, wouldn’t their married life come to an end?’
After all, they still didn’t have any children. It didn’t seem necessary to continue.
Even without Nidhogg, Shadroch would surely not remain silent.
With such brilliance, a second marriage wouldn’t be an issue at all.
‘It’s not like it’s love. Once Nidhogg is gone, the princess might reconsider.’
Or… perhaps their trust could be shattered.
What if the man she so firmly believes in is actually cheating on her, or has a child somewhere?
But neither of those scenarios would ever happen.
Loki knew he couldn’t have that princess. That’s why he indulged in such ridiculous fantasies.
“Sigh.”
As he sighed deeply, he suddenly felt a presence approaching.
Startled, he turned to see a person with emerald green hair smiling at him. It was High Priest Mikael.
“Your Highness, would you care to take a walk?”
“Uh, sure.”
He appeared like a ghost.
Wide-eyed, Loki quickly composed himself when Mikael turned to him.
“Are you getting along well with the Grand Duchess these days?”
“Yes.”
“How do you perceive the relationship between the Grand Duke and Duchess?”
Asking about someone else’s marital relationship was absurd.
But Loki had neither the power nor the authority to reprimand him, and Mikael had every right to ask.
Despite thinking he shouldn’t speak, Loki nodded and spoke up.
“They seem great! They have a strong bond. Really tight-knit.”
“Hmm. I see.”
“Trust and respect… With the Grand Duchess too. So on. Well, the Grand Duke even kissed her right in front of me!”
With a serene smile, Mikael listened to his annoyed grumbling.
After finding the information he wanted, Mikael continued speaking with the same smile, making sure no one was eavesdropping.
“His Majesty the Emperor entrusted me with a confidential matter. Now it’s time to share it with you, Your Highness.”
“A confidential matter?”
Loki’s brow furrowed at the unheard-of words.
Mikael pulled out a small scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Loki. As Loki quickly scanned through it, his expression soured even more.
“If they seem too close, loosen the reins? And if their relationship is too strained, find a way to make them closer. Acting as the villain!”
“There were two plans from the beginning. Considering the situation, the former is the card we need to play.”
Mikael’s emerald eyes glared unpleasantly.
Loki, who had been assigned the latter mission from the start, grimaced and stuck out his tongue in disgust.
“How do you deal with a seemingly happy couple?”
“Well, there are many ways.”
Suppressing the urge to ask, ‘What are you planning to do?’ Loki forced a smile, his question lingering in his throat.
Let him do whatever he wants. After all, he was under the Emperor’s orders, and Loki couldn’t interfere.
Ignorance might be bliss. Otherwise, wouldn’t he feel guilty when he looked at the princess?
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