Chapter 30: Silly Joke

─── ･｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

"Ugh, just my luck. Now I am stuck with a toddler of all things. Hey! You there!" He yelled at a random stranger from the military camp sight.

The man looked utterly shocked and frightened when he saw the trashman looking right at him. He quickly got on one knee and bowed.

"M..may the sun and the moon, shine brightly upon the Giodivonian e..empire!" He responded nervously. I can see him trembling in fear.

We looked at each other again and raised an eyebrow.

"Nevermind. I will take her myself. Mind your tasks at once." He said as he walked away with me in his arms.

"Do they just have anyone to be knights nowadays? Did they forget this type of job is to not be taken lightly? Who scraped that bastard off the streets? This needs to be addressed immediately." The trashman said in an irritated tone.

I can feel heavy eyes on me as we walk our way on the main path to the center of the imperial palace. Maids, butlers, and even gardeners gave shocked looks as they greeted us.

He looked down at me and patted my back as a sign of reassurance. I naturally leaned my body more against him and laid my head on his shoulder. I closed my eyes. He placed his hand on my back. I feel so relaxed somehow. Even after having Marina hold me so gently for three years of my life, I have not felt this sort of comfort. I feel… protected somehow. As if nothing will happen to me.

What is this feeling?

Before I knew it, I was lying on my bed. What happened? Was I not with that trashman? All I did was close my eyes for a few seconds. How am I in bed? I would have realized.

I sat up and saw Marina turning off the candles on the nightstand. She looked down at me and smiled.

"My my, awake so soon? His majesty dropped you off about two hours ago,Princess. You were sleeping soundly. Not even a storm could have woken you up. We were all so surprised to have seen his majesty bring you himself. He carried you in his arms in such a gentle and careful manner. You are so lucky, Princess." Marina said as she sat down on the bed.

Wait. What? Without thinking, I just realized that this… man... carried me, and I was so nonchalant about it. I even rested my head on him and went to sleep! What was I thinking? He could have easily killed me if he wanted to! How can I be so careless? I am such an idiot.

I am so embarrassed. How can I let my guard down? Never again. Never. NEVER.

Hansol knocked and entered the imperial office, where he saw Xavier drinking wine while staring at the board. He could see crumbled paper all on the floor. Hansol rolled his eyes as a sign of irritation.

"This crazy bastard is at it again. What is the reason this time?" Hansol mumbled underneath his breath.

"...What equation are you trying to solve, your Majesty? Mind telling me what is stressing you out at this time of day?" Hansol questioned in a careless tone.

"No need to act like you are genuinely concerned about me, Hansol. Also, Ezra decided to take his vacation early this year. He will be unavailable until next Friday, it seems. However, I am concerned about the type of knights Ezra has in our quarters. I want each one of the knights to pass the fitness exam. Once Ezra is back from his vacation, have him assess each knight on the five exams. I am starting to doubt his judgment." Xavier sighed as he sipped his wine.

"I would take a whole year off if I could. Working for you is torture."' Hansol mumbled.

"I heard you, you bastard. Write a memo about this. It is important that he properly assess the knights this time. I will not tolerate such trash to serve my empire. Honestly, It's a shame that I need that big brain of yours. Even if I happen to be smarter than you." Xavier smirked.

"I am tempted to smear off all your hard work on the board, your Majesty. My offer expires soon. Either you want an ear to listen, or I can take my leave and rest in peace for the rest of the day." Offered Hansol as he crossed his arms.

"I am not much in the talking mood. You can rest in peace, Hansol. Leave me to my work." Xavier responded.

"Changing subjects, you seem to be the topic of today. Is it true that you were carrying the sleeping princess so gently in your arms? She isn't dead, is she? You did not bury her body out in the open, did you?" Hansol laughed.

Xavier took a sip of his wine and sat down behind the imperial desk. He looked up at Hansol with a severe expression.

"I don't know. Why do you not check for yourself? Perhaps everyone at the emerald palace is losing their mind because they cannot find the child. I left her lifeless body somewhere hidden." Xavier smirked.

Hansol's eyes grew big.

"Y.. you are joking right, your Majesty? Please tell me you are joking." Hansol questioned in a nervous tone as he walked up to the imperial desk.

Xavier rolled his eyes and took another sip of wine.

"Do not be foolish, Hansol. I know I am a killer and a horrible father as well. But I did not kill the child. I took her back to the emerald palace. She is safe and sound. Do not fret."

Hansol sighed deeply in relief.

"You nearly scared me half to death! Please do not joke like that!" Hansol yelled.

Xavier raised his eyebrow as he looked at Hansol.

"You do realize you made the lousy joke first. I was just playing along with your silly joke. Do not get mad at me if you were the one who started first, you idiot." Xavier responded with a smirk.

"You… ugh... I'm leaving. Have a good night, your Majesty." Hansol said as he walked out of the room.

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