Chapter Fifty-Nine: Greasy Edward
“You have no idea! When I found out that you were back, I was both surprised and delighted—it was such a conflicting feeling! It’s like… wanting to rush over and see you right away, but being terrified that you’d spill our little secret to Uncle… Because of that, I haven’t slept well for days! So tell me, how are you going to make it up to me?”
“……”
I furrowed my brows, watching Edward slowly crouch down in front of me. His gaze was filled with a softness that sent a chill down my spine, and I was covered in goosebumps.
“Oh, sorry, you can’t talk right now, can you? No need to glare at me. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s you for being so innocent and easily trusting others. But hey, it’s okay, I like you just the way you are and I intend to protect you. The day I ascend to the throne, I’ll marry you and make you my queen. At that point, you’ll be Edward’s woman, free to do whatever you want!”
??????
In an instant, my eyes went as wide as saucers.
What did he just say? Did he just propose to me? A QUEEN?!
What a wild daydream that would make even a mom’s Armstrong Spiral Jet Dream look normal!
I was shocked and nauseated, looking at his self-satisfied greasy face, the urge to hurl was creeping up on me, and I struggled to keep my expression in check. I nearly wanted to jump up and kick his head off like a soccer ball.
Then Edward reached out his hand… towards my face?!
You dare!!!
I reflexively shot up my little hand, ready to slap him across the face.
Seeing my reaction, Edward was stunned for a moment, then his expression changed drastically; he actually fell onto his backside, flailing his legs wildly, his exaggerated reaction caught me off guard.
“Langman!!” Edward shouted, forgetting his formalities, “How… how can she still move?! Is your sedative fake?!”
Pfft—huh? Oops, I forgot! I’m still under the influence of that sedative.
I looked at the hand I had raised high… what to do now?
Just pretend nothing happened.
But Edward, after his exclamation, didn’t wait for the Golden Mask to respond. Valar was laughing so hard he could barely stand up. “Hahaha! What’s wrong with our great prince? The first heir to the mighty empire, haha, what’s going on? Is your future queen’s movements too vigorous for your back? Hahahaha—”
“Valar! You dare mock me!”
“No, I’m not mocking you! Absolutely not… pfft, hahaha!”
The Golden Mask intervened, trying to put an end to the chaos.
“Valar.”
“Sorry, Mr. Langman. I just… just couldn’t hold it in… haha, cough cough.”
Edward dusted off his rear and stood up, clearly understanding that he’d just thrown a tantrum. Exasperated, he shouted, “Mr. Langman, what the heck is going on here?!”
The Golden Mask didn’t respond immediately but stepped closer to Edward, staring at me lying there with my hands now resting on the ground, perfectly still.
Aside from my twinkling eyes, I was as motionless as a statue.
After a few moments of inspection, apparently finding nothing suspicious, he turned back. “Your Highness, the sedative is not fake. No matter how strong this girl is, as long as she’s human, there’s no way she can do anything after inhaling a large amount of it. You need not worry. However… to avoid unnecessary complications, please don’t provoke her further.”
That last line sounded more like a warning. Then the Golden Mask’s tone shifted to impatience.
“Skarlij’s nose is sharp; he could find us at any moment. Lafael might break through the City Guard’s encirclement anytime now. We don’t have much time left.”
As soon as that was said, I panicked inside.
What do you mean? They’ve surrounded Lafael with the City Guard? Is there a fight going on? When? Where?
Why hasn’t anyone received news? Lafael is okay, right?
If things are urgent… no, I must see him quickly, I can’t delay any further.
But the one leading the way… I glanced back at Edward.
His expression was dark, possibly still sulking about what just happened, clearly in a bad mood. But he also knew the Golden Mask was right and didn’t dare take it out on anyone else. Upon catching my gaze, he lowered his head to meet my eyes.
A cold smile crept onto his lips.
“Let’s go, I’ll take you to see your brother.”
I felt joy bubbling inside me. All the wasted facial expressions were finally paying off!
Hearing Edward’s words, the Golden Mask waved at Valar.
“Throw her into the carriage.”
Though Valar scoffed at Edward, he respected the Golden Mask. He nodded and stepped forward, bending down as if to scoop me up.
I frowned, feeling resistant to such unnecessary closeness, and started thinking about how to avoid it. Just then, I heard Edward suddenly speak up.
“Don’t touch where you shouldn’t; she’s mine.”
Huh… well done?
Even though it was still disgusting.
Valar paused, looking at Edward as if he wanted to mock him again. But the Golden Mask clearly didn’t want to waste more time on useless matters and waved his hand again.
“Do as he says.”
“…Fine. It’s your call, my great prince.”
Valar shrugged, his tone decidedly flippant with no hint of respect, but he still called over another masked man.
One of them lifted my feet while the other grabbed my arms, and they hoisted me up, carrying me towards the War Chariot parked at the door.
“Ha, this little girl is pretty light! Look at her soft little frame… tsk tsk, riding her must be quite exhilarating.”
…I barely held back the urge to spit in his face.
“Valar! I told you already! She’s mine! Got it?!”
“Yes, yes, the future queen, I know, I know.”
He tucked me into the bench inside the chariot, and then Edward and the Golden Mask climbed in too. The two of them sat across from me.
The chariot had quite a bit of space, enough for two more people, so Valar didn’t get down. Just as he was about to sit at my feet, Edward spoke again.
“Valar, go to the front and drive.”
“…What did you say?”
His tone was incredulous.
Seeing a dispute brewing again, the Golden Mask interjected.
“Valar, go on. We don’t have time; we need someone to lead the way. Or do you want to run like everyone else?”
Valar hesitated for a moment.
“…Haha, good point.”
It was hard to tell what expression was hidden behind the mask.
He exited the chariot and went to sit at the driver’s position, grabbing the reins.
“Go!”
The War Chariot started moving.
I quietly lay on the bench, my dark eyes darting around as the houses outside slowly retreated, pondering where they were taking me.
It shouldn’t be too far…
Seeing my gaze, Edward casually pulled the curtain down.
Then he gave me a greasy smile: “Pepé, don’t be afraid, I promise I won’t hurt you.”
