Chapter 24

The noble ladies were saddened.

“There’s no way His Majesty would come to a bazaar like this.”

“Sigh. I know, right?”

They did not stop talking about Ejed while they went to see the bazaar items.

“No matter how much of a tyrant he is, I want to have a relationship with such a handsome man at least once in my life.”

“That’s right. Even if I don’t eat, I feel full.”

“How fascinating it must be.”

Annie can admit that he is handsome, but this story of the tyrant was an unwelcome discussion subject with her.

While Annie nodded roughly at the words of the young girls, she focused on checking the bazaar items.  It was held with good intentions, so she really wanted to buy a few things.

After a while, a magnificent ensemble rang indoors.

As she turned her head, she saw people hurrying to place their foreheads on the floor one by one.

‘No way…’

Annie’s expression hardened.

“Oh my goodness. His Majesty must have attended today!”

“Rejoice!”

The noble ladies, who admired His Majesty in many ways, blushed. No matter how much the tyrant looked from a distance, he was incomparably beautiful to any master painter’s works, so they couldn’t help but flutter.

Embarrassed, Annie quickly blended in with the noble ladies and gracefully bowed her head.

The performers were also very nervous, and a little, trembling rhyme rang in her ears.

‘I won’t… I won’t be spotted.’

She had never been so grateful that she possessed neither a striking appearance nor a distinct presence.

Annie, with her head down, gently raised her gaze.

‘… You really came.’

Ejed, who shifted his elongated legs, sat on the uppermost throne on the stairs. Even today, there were no emotions to be discerned on that perfectly sculpted face.

The aides who followed him were those familiar in Annie’s eyes.

They were not comparable to Ejed, but they were still elegant and handsome, scholarly young people.

‘The aides I saw in the reception room…’

Now, when Ejed was seated, the nobles began to hum and move again.

Most of them were going to the street stalls far from Ejed.

Among those who are courageous, they climbed up the stairs and flattered Ejed.

However, no matter who talked to him, Ejed did not answer.

Only the aides next to him smiled and responded skillfully.

‘… You are really indifferent.’

Ejed’s gaze seemed to be stuck somewhere in the air. He was a man with a striking steel wall of his own to match his reputation as the Iron Wall of Porcaus, whose silver shield symbolized the country.

Although she thought it was fortunate that he didn’t find her, she felt a little bit empty. It was a waste of her time when she worried and trembled with anxiety.

Well, though, she’ll now be able to enjoy the bazaar without worries.

Annie stared at the noble ladies again.

“Which item do you think looks good?”

“Annie, is the item the problem now?”

Then Annie, who was trying to ask what’s the problem… bit her mouth.  Jetina now peeped over to Ejed and covered her mouth with her hands.

Jetina scrutinized the male faces very seriously, and so did the other girls.

Their interest was focused on Ejed.

“It looks like His Majesty didn’t bring the sword today.”

“That’s fortunate. Every time His Majesty brings his sword, it makes me feel like my heart is cut in many ways.”

Annie laughed awkwardly and nodded as the ladies bantered and jested playfully.

That’s right, the cool atmosphere cut not only her heart, but her very soul.

The aristocrats pretended to browse the bazaar items, but kept glancing at Ejed.

Their faces quickly turned red.

“He’s really cool.”

“If I could go out with him, I would risk my life… Oh no, mother, father, I’m sorry.”

When Jetina, who made a cry, spoke like a confession, only then did Annie burst into a pleasant smile.

Annie is now completely interested in Ejed and chatted with the young ladies.

But then, Jetina smacked her front.

“Look over there!”

Ejed, who sat on the golden throne, pulled out something sparkling from his arms.

Was it a dagger?  The young noble ladies talking to her slowly descended to the floor, and the surroundings quickly became quiet.