There was bitterness in the Empresss voice.
The Empress thought of Charlize and her puffy eyes.
After Damians decision to leave, Charlize cried all day long.
Charlize couldnt hold back as she muttered the words dont leave, continuously all while trying to suppress her sadness to no avail.
Its better for me to make a move than continue watching Charlize cry her eyes out.
The Empress sincerely thought so.
But right then.
Damian spoke in a calm voice.
Im very grateful her Majesty has given me such an offer.
The Empresss eyes widened a bit.
It was because Damians tone implied rejection.
A childlike but collected voice followed.
Buf if the Empress were to do that, theres going to be a lot of trouble for the Duke of Rochester.
The crown prince doesnt need to worry about that.
No, I have to be worried.
Damian faced the Empress, his head upright.
Those scarlet eyes were unwavering, undeterred as they gazed back at the Empress.
Charlize is her Majestys official maid.
For a split second, the Empress was caught off guard.
Shes not an ordinary maid either.
.your Highness.
Its clear Charlize is now favored by both her Majesty and the Duke of Rochester.
Favored to the point of receiving an adoption offer from the Duke.
Saying that Damians smile widened.
It was a smile that revealed how his heart was set on this.
But me, Im a prince whos worse than a scarecrow. I dont have that support base.
But your Highness, thats
Your Majesty is supported by the Duke of Rochester. So rather than me.Her Majesty and the Duke of Rochester should.
Damians smile became somewhat pained when mentioning the Duke again.
The Empress clenched her fists.
Damian concluded with a request.
please keep Charlize safe.
The Empress was silent for a long time.
Damian whom no one ever had ever believed in until now, was breaking down all walls and boundaries for the first time by speaking candidly.
All that honesty was to protect Charlize.
His sigh rang out.
Instead of opposing his Majesty, the Emperor by telling him Im not going
It may be better to leave the imperial pce for a while, expressed Damian
Realizing the crown prince had truly made up his mind, the Empress bit her lip.
She couldnt say anything.
Momentster, the Empress spoke in a voice that was emotionally crushed.
.it may be far more dangerous than the crown prince anticipates.
Its all right.
Its not something you can so easily brush off.
The Empress stared at Damian.
You do know what youre getting yourself into, yes? The Kier ins are infested with demonic beasts.
I do. Im also someone who hasnt fully awakened the power of the divine beast.
Damian gave a mischievous smile.
But this is a wake-up call for me. And because Ive partially awakened the power within me, Im not going to all of a sudden fall over and die.
But, thats
So your Majesty shouldnt worry excessively over me, added Damian with courtesy.
Unable to ovee the mix ofplicated emotions, the Empress bit her lips.
After a while.
The Empress offered an apology.
Im so sorry, your Highness.
What? What are you sorry about
Didnt I tell you? As an adult and empress, protecting the crown prince is my responsibility.
The Empresss face was guilt-ridden.
She really did mean it.
For Charlize, the Empress was determined to do what she could to protect the crown prince. But in the end, there was nothing the Empress could do.
Lets face the facts, I cant stop you from going. I just wished I had done more for you.
No. I know that her Majesty has already done so much to help me.
Damian answered with a solemn tone.
He remembered the times when he slowly suffocated in the darkness, shunned by everyone in the pce.
Charlize was the first one to approach him.
And though there was Charlizethe Empress was also there to show him how to be mature with responsibility.
They were the ones who showed him kindness and rekindled the warmth in him.
When I be someone who Charlize can lean on, Ille back.