Murderous Emperor's Inconvenient Behavior - Chapter 17

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“Things like jewels or money.”

“Oh.”

“You can ask for anything.”

“Even if I don’t ask, you’ll give me everything. That’s why I didn’t say anything.”

“…”

“My name is Alicia now. As the duke’s sister, such things will come easily; why should I waste my time asking for them?”

Richard’s eyes widened slightly, as if it was an unexpected response.

The room was filled with hearty laughter after that.

“My sister is adorable and astute. This brother is overjoyed.”

Richard smiled as he stroked Claire’s cheek.

Claire giggled awkwardly as she touched her cheek.

The unexpected contact stunned her.

Why has the Duke been acting this way for so long?

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Claire began her day as Alicia. She walked down to the first level after breakfast and got dressed.

The Duke’s staff waited at the entryway to bid farewell to the Duke, who was ready to leave.

“Alicia.”

Richard called for her.

Claire smiled cheerfully and walked down the stairwell.

“Did you come out just to see me off?”

“Yes, my brother.”

Claire reached out and touched Richard’s outstretched arm.

Richard raised one of his brows. Claire’s action was too natural, thus it was an indication of inquiry.

“Is mother not coming out?”

Mrs. Stanton was not in sight.

“She appears to be suffering from a cold. Could you please check on her later?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you so much. I was concerned since I had two days to depart the mansion.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll be there at the palace. I have stuff to deal with concerning you.”

She’d have to go to the empire as a tribute soon. Richard appeared to be preoccupied with it.

“Don’t be concerned. I will look after mother.”

She said this despite the fact that Mrs. Stanton was unlikely to welcome her.

In any case, she is now the princess of the Duke’s house.

Richard quietly smiled in response to her statement. He then abruptly bent his upper body.

What exactly is this?

A shadow fell on her head. And Richard’s lips came close.

Chu.

His soft lips brushed over her face.

She was so taken aback that she didn’t know what had just transpired.

She only realized he had kissed her cheek after his lips separated.

“Eek.”

She almost automatically pulled Richard away, barely controlling herself.

“It’s a thank you for coming to see me off. Don’t be so nervous, I do it to Alicia every time.”

Richard straightened his back as he murmured into her ear.

“I’ll be back then.”

Richard boarded his carriage after an enthusiastic greeting to Claire, who was speechless due to her astonishment.

Why is Duke acting so strangely?

She felt the attendants’ attention as she stared blankly towards the rear of the carriage.

“I saw the news. They said you’re going as a tribute to the Empire.”

One of the maids walked forward, apologizing.

“What if that terrifying Emperor hurts you?”

“Lady Stanton must have fainted from that shock, poor lady.”

“I appreciate everyone’s concern. It’s terrifying, but I’ll get through it. Watch me do it.”

Claire offered a frail grin.

“Ah, our poor lady.”

All of the servants grasped their chests when they saw her terrible appearance.

Only Hanna remained in the area where the servants had dispersed a moment later.

Hanna, who had been observing from behind the maids, was taken aback when her gaze met Claire’s.

“Come on over here.”

With a gesture, Claire summoned Hanna. Hanna probably had no idea the person in front of her was Claire.

“You’re Hanna, right?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“You might have heard from my brother, but you must go to the Empire for my sake.”

“Yes.”

Hanna was angry, but she did not weep or refuse to go.

“Shall we go for a walk?”

Claire took a deep breath of fresh air and began walking. Hanna followed her, her shoulders hunched.

They walked around the garden for a time.

The garden, which was meticulously kept by the staff, was big and lovely. Various flowers swayed in the breeze, displaying their brilliant beauty.

There was a reluctant presence behind them that had been there for a long time. Claire could sense Hanna hesitant to speak without looking back.

Claire pretended not to notice, giggling within.

How far did they have to walk?

Hanna, who ha

“Um… my lady, I have a question for you.”

“Huh? What exactly is it?”

Claire turned around, she looked innocent, as if she didn’t know anything.

“You chose me as your personal maid, according to His Grace.”

“And so?”

“Why should someone like me…”

Hanna couldn’t believe she was the lady’s personal maid, no matter how hard she tried.

She was taken aback at first. Then she was astonished to learn that she needed to go to the empire.

She was ecstatic and afraid all at the same time.

Claire could have at least discussed what to do if she had been present.

Claire, on the other hand, seems to have reverted to her old personality recently, speaking less and not even recognizing Hanna.

She was concerned that she had lost her speech once more.

“Hahaha.”

A few moments later, the lady in front of her burst out laughing.

“…My lady?”

Hanna’s eyes widened. She was afraid the sick lady might pass out if she laughed like that.

“It’s me, it’s me! Do you not recognize me?”

Claire had scarcely stopped giggling when she added. Hanna appeared to fall into tears if she was startled any more.

“Huh?”

“It’s Claire! I’m surprised you didn’t know me; that’s quite disheartening.”

Claire gripped Hanna’s frozen-in-shock shoulder.

“Claire?”

“Look carefully.”

Hanna narrowed her eyes and fixed her gaze on Claire’s face. Soon after, she opened her eyes in surprise and yelled.

“It’s Claire!” 

“Do you think you recognize me now?”

“But how…? No, as Miss Alicia… when His Grace kissed your face, how…”

Hanna’s brain was a jumbled mess, and she couldn’t get her words out correctly.

“I have a lot of things to tell you.”

Claire resumed her stride, crossing her arms in front of the rigid Hanna. She narrated everything from the beginning while admiring the flowering flowers. How she came to act as Alicia, and how many times she spoke to Hanna as Alicia.

“I had no idea. Then why was I chatting to Miss Alicia all this time?”

“That’s exactly right.”

“Haah.”

“Why?”

“I thought Claire had lost her ability to speak because you didn’t respond well even when I spoke to you. I was terrified.”

“Really?”

“But, are you okay?”

A relaxed state Hanna inquired, concerned.

“Yeah. I resolved to take it in stride. It’s even a positive thing in my opinion.”

“Why?”

“Actually, I had a dream about the victory ball on the day of the victory ball.”

“A dream?”

“It was a dream where I followed a man in white… and I was executed on the guillotine.”

“Oh, no, Claire!”

Hanna was taken aback. She soon comforted herself and resumed chatting.

“Phew. But that was all a dream.”

“You’re right, it was all a dream.”But it seems like something like this will happen in the not-too-distant future. Don’t you find that strange, Hanna?”

“It’s peculiar. I’ve experienced similar experiences. I try to be extra cautious on days when I experience a nasty dream.”

“That’s precisely what it is! It felt prudent to depart this location as soon as possible in order to avoid encountering the man in white.”

“Because you think the man would come to the duke’s house?”

“Wouldn’t I eventually meet him if I kept working here? I’m not sure when, but I’ll depart when I have the chance.”

“You’re exactly right.”

“I apologize. Even though it may be harmful, I selected you as my personal maid.”

“What are you on about, Claire? I’m truly content. Of course, if it had been Miss Alicia, it would have been terrifying, but if it’s you, I’m good with anything.”

Claire felt a tug at her heart as she heard Hanna’s earnest comments.

Hanna is a trustworthy person.

Claire embraced Hanna closely once more, moved. Hanna returned her hug.

“So, Claire.”

Hanna spoke with a bashful smile after the hug.

“Now that I’ve become your personal maid, I’ll use formal language with you.”

“That’s much better. Everyone else will see us as a noble lady and maid. But when it’s just the two of us, let’s relax.”

“No. Even if it’s only the two of us, I’ll use formal language.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I have to, or I’ll get confused. Just thinking about switching from formal to informal makes my head spin.”

Hanna rolled her eyes humorously.

“Okay. If it’s more convenient for you, go ahead and do it that way. Don’t forget how grateful I am to you, Hanna.”

“Of course.”

They giggled as they stared at each other.

“But where exactly are we?”

Claire, lost in thought, gazed about at the strange surroundings. They ended up at an unexpected location while they spoke and wandered aimlessly.

It was a far cry from the beautifully tended garden, with grass and trees growing wild. It was a gloomy and peaceful area of the Duke’s garden.

“I’ve never been here before.”

Hanna glanced around the corner. She spoke to Claire as though she had been using formal language with her since the beginning.

Claire smiled quietly to herself and walked up to the thick shrubs. People might be seen passing through the bushes on occasion.

“Shouldn’t we go back now, Miss? This place has a spooky vibe about it.”

Hanna looked around, worried, and brushed her sleeve.

“Take a look here. It’s not obvious, but there is a way. I’m curious what’s at the end of this path.”

Claire continued walking after following the traces. Hanna trailed after, her shoulders huddled.

After some time spent wandering…

“Eh!”

“It looks like this is the end.”

“It seems so.”

Claire fixed her gaze on the large wall in front of her. The appearance of a wall indicated that they had reached the apex of the massive home.

It appeared like the walk was coming to an end. They had to return to the estate and fulfill her responsibilities as Mrs. Stanton’s daughter.

They moved their gaze away from the wall.

Rustle.

Then, a few steps away, the bushes trembled.

“What, what, what exactly is it?”

Hanna held Claire’s arm and approached her.

“Don’t be concerned. It’s most likely nothing. Is anyone there?”

Claire comforted Hanna while keeping her attention fixed on the bushes.

Rustle..

The bushes trembled violently in response to Claire’s speech.

“Who’s there!”

Claire tightened her grasp on Hanna’s hand. They’d run if necessary. If they cried and ran, the servants would hear and chase after them.

“Squawk!”

Something darted out of the woods towards them.