Enoch left the emperors office. Those who saw him hurriedly bowed their heads and struggled with all their might pretending they had not seen his swollen cheeks glowing bright red. They heard the Empress anger directed towards the Grand Duke and they heard the clear and crisp p too.
Are you alright, Your Majesty? asked the aristocratic noble with a blushed look.
..
Aran said nothing.
Her Majesty is in a terrible mood. Pay extra attention.
Though the nearby onlookers were curious about Enochs behavior who they knew to be cold-hearted and vicious remained calm and gentle to the Aran, they said nothing. They knew his keen senses and wits were the foundation that kept the Imperial Pce and the empire together. They could only guess that the Grand Duke said words that made the Empress feel helpless.
Enoch walked down the hall and touched his red and swollen cheek. Todays incident would bring Aran into the limelight and he had no ns to clear up any misunderstanding. The more isted she was from the outside world, the more fun it would be.
Before long, he encountered Duke Ss.
The duke looked at his face and reacted wonderfully. He, too, heard the rumors of the Grand Duke angering the Empress, but he was not aware that she had pped him.
Oh! Good Lord! I cant believe this happened Her Majesty is too much.
Itsonly a given. I offended her. She had given me mercy with only a p in the cheek. This is nothing, Enoch answered faithfully with a stunning smile.
I wonder what you did that she would raise her hands at you, Grand Duke, Duke Ss said curiously.
Youd not be able to imagine.
Duke Ss tilted his head at his words, but Enoch had no intention to exin any further.
You seem to have more in your hands than I expected. You look tired, Grand Duke. I regret applying for an interview right away. Who knows what would be ofme.Will I get a p too? Duke Ss spoke jokingly.
Everything will be fine, Enoch replied with a calm smile.
How can you be so sure?
Because Im the only one in the world who can make Her Majesty upset.
Enochs voice was full of conviction as his red eyes shed for a moment.
Duke Ss frowned faintly.
The world venerated the Grand Duke as a saint, but somehow Duke Ss felt a strange air whenever he was near the Grand Duke. No matter how gentle he seemed, Duke Ss felt an aura of danger and a conscious warning not to get too close.
But what brings you here? Enoch asked.
Oh! I have something to speak to you about the consensus decided at thest meeting.
Enoch looked back at the Empress office. He was lost in thought for a moment before parting his lips, Her Majesty is upset right now, so if you dont mind, let me hear what you have to say first.
Then he reached out his hand to the document Duke Ss was holding.
Duke Ss lowered his gaze and looked at Enochs wet sleeves.
Its from spilt tea, Enoch answered calmly seeing his gaze.
Ah!SoHer Majesty pped you in the cheek and dared to spill a cup of tea.
At the dukes joke,Enoughgave an impervious and meaningless smile.
What is it that you need to speak to Her Majesty about? Enoch asked.
Well
Duke Ss trailed off without much thought. He felt an impending sense of doom and ipatibility with Enoch. It was a great sin to have the documents be read by anyone else before the ruling empress could take a look, yet Enoch had no qualms with it. It was the first time the duke saw Enoch exceed his authority despite serving as a de facto.
Even so, he felt a slight sense of fear from Enoch, but when he saw the marks on his cheek, he suddenly shut his mouth. He remembered that small, pale face desperately holding on to her opinions despite the wolfish aristocrats hounding at her earlier. It fascinated him.
Duke Ss had seen the Empress once as a child. She was stubborn and kind and never one to easily anger despite her rough personality.
What was it that caused her to be angry?
I dont think its good to share right now. Maybeter.
Enochs red eyes shed and stared squarely at Duke Ss.