"Y-yeah, sure" Cain answered while taking another sip of his tea with his eyes dodging his mother's gaze
Since Qain already has his own speculations then Cain could only agree. He doesn't have any good excuse of his own, hence, he could only use his mother's speculation
"W-what! You're really in love? Why do kids grow up easily?" The Duchess rested his back into the chair and his husband immediately went to his side to massage his shoulders
"Honey, it's great if he is already in love. I always thought that our son will live alone for the rest of his life. You know how cold and aloof he could become" Victor comforted his agitated wife and his gentle massage seems to have done their wonders
"Well, you're right. I am happy, of course. I just didn't expect that he will love someone this early" the Duchess replied with a sigh and the side of Cain's lips twitches
He wasn't cold nor aloof, Cain just likes peace and most people only approach him either for his looks or status
"So... who is the lucky moon?" Qain asked curiously and even Victor turned his attention to his son that felt his palm getting wet from nervousness
Cain respects his parents too much. If they were to resist his engagement with Keon, he wouldn't know what to do
Cain doesn't want to marry someone he doesn't like but on the other hand, his marriage is necessary for stopping Lawrence and the Twilight Demons
"It's... the 1st Moon of the Empire - Keon Blythe Morningstar" Cain answered nervously
In the past, Keon has overwhelming power in his hands but even then, almost no one has the desire to marry him
The Royal Villainess is someone that would kill even his own blood without the slightest bit of guilt. He has no qualms in doing even the evilest things towards anyone whether that person is a mere child or an adult
With how high Keon's infamy was, it wouldn't be a surprise if his parents were to object to the marriage
"Oh? It was His Highness? That's great! The child has always been a pitiful one. The Empress has always hated his child. If you marry him and he becomes a part of our household, you must take good care of him!"
No matter who looks at Qain, they would notice that he was satisfied with the spouse his son has chosen, contrary to what Cain expected
'Keon still hasn't done many evil things at this point but... why do I feel that my mother strongly approves of him?' Cain wondered and he can't help but investigate this matter a bit
"Who do I feel like you like him, mother?" Cain inquired curiously and the Duchess smiled
"I have a memory with His Highness that I will never forget. One time, when I entered the Imperial Palace, I saw him in the Garden, gently touching the flowers. From the outside, he has everything in the world but I can sense a deep sense of sadness from him"
"He has the vibes of someone that never received love from anyone. At that time, I felt that he is pitiful and I planned on approaching him but... you know what he did next? His Highness slap his own cheeks and told himself that he would be alright. I can sense the fire burning inside him. A fire that helps him continue living"
Qain explained. Keon's image at that time has been greatly engraved in his mind. It was a scene he would never forget
"Frankly, if not for your father, I would want to get close to His Highness" Qain continued with a dissatisfied voice as he gave his husband a glare
"Honey, we know the Empress and I know your personality. I fear that the two of you would clash. Even though the Imperial Family can't easily touch us, I still don't want to put you in any danger"
Even though the Duchess understand that he still felt dissatisfied. And in truth, he also listened to his husband's words because of his own son
If they were to clash with the Imperial Family, even though the Ybra Family is not afraid, the Duke and Duchess was still afraid that their son might be brought into danger
That is the last thing that they want to happen
"Son, after you marry His Highness, promise me that you would take good care of him. I can feel that once someone gives him love, he would do anything for that person. If your feelings are mutual, I'm sure that he will never betray you "
Cain's face has an unnatural expression on it. Why does it feel like his mother is describing a completely different person?
All his life, Cain can only describe the 1st Imperial Moon with negative adjectives. He couldn't understand why his mother has taken a great liking to Keon
If his mother knew that he was poisoned and died all because of Keon, how would he react?
But despite the thoughts inside his head, Cain can only give a positive answer "I understand, mother"
———
Morningstar Imperial Palace
The 1st Imperial Moon firmly and coldly walked along the Palace's corridor. His every step was filled with utmost confidence, completely different from how he walked in the past
As an unloved child, Keon tried to make his presence as minimal as possible in fear that he would receive another round of mockery, bullying, and pain
But now, things are completely different. Keon's brilliant mind told him that acting pitiful like he always was is the best course of action while he is still gathering his strength again but his pride don't want that to
Despite knowing that it was better to be humiliated for now as long as he could trample on them later, Keon still don't want that
He doesn't want a repeat of the past!
"Your Highness, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you still be at the Academy? His Majesty would surely scold you if he were to know of this" one of the maids around rudely said
He didn't even bow at a member of the Royal Family despite his low position. Even his words and tone were extremely rude
Well, the servants in the Palace was already used to Keon passively receiving injustice
It was the maid's chance to bully a person of high status. Their egos were loving it
Unfortunately for them, things are completely different now
After receiving such a familiar treatment, Keon's eyes reddened. He immediately raised his hand and...
Pak!
The slapping sound resounded in the area, surprising all the servants around
No one wasn't shocked at how fast things have developed. That was especially so for the maid that got slapped
"Y-Your Highness! You can't just slap someone!" The maid reasoned but what he received was another slap
"Oh, sorry. My hands are currently itchy and since there is a lowly servant that doesn't know his position, I thought, why shouldn't I punish him?" Keon replied. The experience of slapping someone that wants to push you down is surely exhilarating
"Y-you..." the maid wanted to say something but no words were coming out from his mouth due to holding so much anger
"Seems like two slaps still aren't enough. You dared glare to the 1st Imperial Moon of the Empire. How impudent!" Keon angrily raised his foot and kicked the maid in the stomach
The poor maid's eyes widened in pain as he fell to the ground while clutching his stomach
"Guards!" Keon shouted and two Imperial Guards immediately steps forwards
"Greetings to the 1st Moon of the Empire!" The guards paid their respects and Keon smiled at them
"What is the punishment for insulting a Royal?" Keon inquired. The guards looked at each other unsurely at first before one of them gave an answer
"Maids that insulted a Royal would at least have their tongues cut off. But if the Royal has another punishment in mind, even death is plausible" the guard answered and the maid in the ground instantly shuddered in fear as he looks at the Princess
"Y-Your Highness, p-please forgive this servant! I-I wouldn't do it again!" The maid pleaded fearfully and Keon's signature smile appeared on his face
It was a smile that is far from being sincere. Cain Ybra was very familiar with the smile that Keon currently has
It was a smile that holds deep cruelty in them
"Oh, dear, you surely wouldn't..." Keon said with a chuckle. "... since you wouldn't be able to do so. Smash his bones to pieces and cut off all of his fingers. That would be this audacious maid's punishment for his crime"
Keon gave his verdict, causing the people around to shudder. Without the ability to walk nor use one's fingers, that person would be the same as a useless waste
What could they do without their legs and hands? Keon's punishment to the maid can be said to be even crueler than a death sentence