Chapter 13
Depending on how one heard it, the remark has a significant meaning. It could be taken as a veiled jab at last year’s incident, or simply as an act of generosity. But knowing the crown prince as they did, everyone already knew how he would respond.
‘This is going to cause another scene.’
Just as that thought passed through their minds, Killian, who had been studying Fabian closely, slowly curled one corner of his lips.
“It seems my dear cousin still sees me as a child.”
His tone was light.
“I appreciate the thought, but I’ll decline.”
With that, he flicked his fingers, summoning an attendant.
“Take my plate to the grand duke’s heir. Fish isn’t something one often gets to enjoy while living in the mountains. He should take this chance to try it.”
All eyes were on him.
Killian smiled leisurely before continuing,
“While it’s true I haven’t yet learned not to covet what belongs to others, I have recently been taught, in my studies of kingship, that one must show generosity to one’s subordinates.”
The statement was laden with meaning. The nobles exchanged uneasy glances between Killian and Fabian.
Though unspoken, the two stood as rivals for the throne and Killian’s refined phrasing, openly placing Fabian beneath him, was enough to leave them stunned.
“I’ll pass. I appreciate the concern, but such dishes are not unfamiliar in the North. And I am not so greedy as to covet what belongs to my younger cousin.”
There was no way Fabian, sharp as he was, had missed the mockery. The gentle, picture-perfect smile that usually adorned his lips had long since vanished.
The attendant, caught in between, stood frozen—plate in hand.
Their gazes clashed once more, like lightning striking between them.
“…Is that so? Well, if you insist. Then bring it back.”
Killian gave a small shrug.
“I was merely acting as I’ve been taught. That loyalty from one’s subordinates deserves proper reward. But it seems my cousin does not care for the reward I’ve chosen to bestow.”
The matter of succession was complicated by the fall of the former emperor.
Though Fabian had lost his position as crown prince and now remained only as heir to the northern Grand Duke, he still retained supporters—not only in the North, but even within the central court.
Some admired his character. But most simply doubted Killian. And yet, fully aware of all this, Killian spoke without restraint. Subordinate, loyalty, reward, Killian used such heavy words.
The nobles could only click their tongues in disbelief at his audacity.
As Killian elegantly cut into the fish on his own plate, he smiled faintly at Fabian, who still stared at him.
“To say you wouldn’t covet what belongs to your younger cousin… I can’t think of a better way to express House Deard’s loyalty. Now that I think about it, perhaps I lacked sincerity—trying to settle things with nothing more than a plate of fish. I’ll be sure to send an appropriate gift to the North later.”
I do hope it will be to your liking. Killian finished his words with a smile.
Fabian’s hand, gripping his fork and knife, trembled. He was well aware of the eyes upon them, but the humiliation was unbearable.
* * *
“Splendid, Your Highness.”
Bertholdt spoke as Killian changed his clothes. Killian, standing still as maids attended to him, tilted his head back slightly.
“Splendid? What is?”
“What you showed at the banquet just now.”
“…Ah. That.”
Killian let out a smirk.
“It was nothing. Isn’t that what they all wanted? For me to act like Fabian—polished, elegant, and insufferably condescending.”
Among the nobles were those who endlessly praised Fabian’s refined demeanor, claiming he alone possessed the qualities of a true emperor. And the greatest reason they refused to acknowledge Killian was his bluntness.
“I’m glad your interactions with Lady Eport have been of help to you.”
Killian’s brows shot up at Bertholdt’s words.
“Who? Adelaide? What does she have to do with anything?”
He let out a scoff, muttering under his breath before turning fully toward Bertholdt.
The maid fastening his buttons stumbled and fell back with a startled cry, but Killian paid her no mind.
“You don’t seriously think I’ve changed because of her, do you?”
“I merely meant that your association with the Eport family seems to have helped your state of mind.”
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