"Yes it's blank." Yuno took out the book from his inner coat. The book unlike the unkept Yuno was still clean as ever. Yuno faced the book towards him and quickly flipped through the pages.
"See? Blank. Now it's your time to explain."
Cyrus remained silent. Now that he thinks about it, it kinda makes sense why Yuno was still being patient with him. If he really had read the contents of the book the then he would've made war with the South already.
Contemplating on what to say. Cyrus decided to summarise it and simply say: "That book has a 50/50 chance of being our reality, in the point of view of a random prince omega. I'm supposed to marry that omega who will cheat on me with a fallen prince which kingdom I destroyed. Suffer two years of loveless marriage and die by the hands of the guy who had an affair with my supposedly wife. All of this was said through the book and a strange man keeps appearing in my dreams and is threatening to castrate me if I don't read it."
When he opened his mouth to utter those exact words, his mouth hang opened and not a single word dared to come out.
"..."
Yuno was getting impatient. "Well?"
"..." Cyrus tried again, but nothing came out. He tried his best to speak yet something seemed to be preventing him. And then it clicked. The words of the man, before the space faded and his lips-NO.
"Now that I think about it, it would be quite troublesome if other than us knows the contents of the book. I can't let you run your mouth freely now can I? That would ruin my years worth of work!"
That time he wanted to ask what he meant by that, but unexpectedly his lips-NO.
Yuno focused solely on observing the General's expression. He takes note how his usually indescribable face transformed from solemn to shock and then just going back to his usual face. Though of course, the light tint on Cyrus's ears didn't escape Yuno's hawk like gaze.
"I can't say."
"Hm?"
"Sigh...I'm not allowed to say it."
"General, are you being threatened?!"
He ignored Derick's voice and Yuno seemed to have the same intention as him.
"When are you allowed to say it then?"
"Hey! Are you two even listening?!"
"That I don't know, but I'll tell once I can. And before you can say aynthing, it's something that I can handle."
"General??? Yuno????"
Yuno gave him a nod. He still seemed reluctant, but at least he didn't push any further. "I appreciate the honesty. Though I'm afraid I'll have to confiscate the book for now. It's quite concerning to see the Esteemed General always passing out."
Even though he wanted to protest, Cyrus just nodded. Though he briefly stopped reading after his death, he still remembered the scenes involving him. He really didn't need to memorise the whole book, considering that just reading it from another's person view was already annoying enough.
At least for now, he has a clear goal of avoiding that wretched marriage. In the book, it was arranged by the emperor and he had no choice but to obey. So as long as he leaves for another war or think of a reasonable excuse then he could surely avoid it. And if the book was really just another 'imaginative work' then he could ignore all of this and move on. Of course, he wouldn't let the man go easily.
Speaking of the emperor. "What happened on the palace?"
After he passed out that time, his sole focus was on the book and that man. The thought that he passed out on the imperial garden and in front of that official didn't even cross his mind.
"His majesty postponed the meeting. He said that he'll meet the General once he's in a better state."
Cyrus nodded, his eyes closed before asking the life and death question. "Do you have any idea why his majesty wish to meet me?"
Derick looked at Yuno, and Yuno also looked at him. They were surely passing message secretly and the coiling feeling on Cyrus's stomach continued to churn. After a minute of awkward silence Derick faked a cough.
His eyes trailing away from Yuno and to the General who was still siting on the bed.
"Well that...we-I mean I think that the General should rest up first. It's not good for the body if you worry too much." Derick flashed him a reassuring smile though it wasn't one bit reassuring to the General.
"That's right. The General's health comes first, the Emperor is benevolent so I'm sure he'll understand." Yuno nodded, it was rare for the two to agree on something mutually and it only resolved the General's thoughts further.
"It's about marriage isn't it?"
He could see Derick jump a step back along with Yuno who's eyes slightly widened. He surely hit the nail on the head.
"Eh-General how-"
He ignores Derick's gawking gaze as he moved to get out of bed. With a sigh he walked towards his wardrobe which mostly consist of black long-sleeves and coats. Though he mostly shoves all of it away and he retrieves his military uniform instead.
"Derick tell the coach to prepare. We'll be heading to the palace. Yuno, you wash up."
Cyrus made quick work to change his clothes. The two were still standing there, one was still confused while the other was unwilling to move.
When he was done changing, Cyrus was ready to leave the room, only to be stopped by Yuno's arm.
"You haven't eaten anything yet."
"That's why I'm going to the kitchen."
Again, for the umpteenth time Yuno eyed him from head to toe. Slowly he retracted his arm and Cyrus gave him an appreciative nod.
"You're still out of the clear, but I'll let you be this time. I'm sure you have it figured out so I'll trust you for now. But if something happens then don't mind me from stepping in."
"I appreciate the concern."
Cyrus said as he turned away and left. Yuno snorted in response, his gaze moved back to the room and he sees Derick still standing there with a dumbfounded expression.
"Hey dumbass stop daydreaming!"
Yuno threw him a small pebble that managed to slip into his pocket.
"Ow"
"Hurry up and call the coach. I'm gonna take a bath."
Yuno looked at his dirt covered clothes and frowned, his face wasn't probably fairing any better. Annoyed, he walked away and strode to his own room to take a nice, long bath.
Derick tried to catch up to him and promptly said. "What about me?"
"What about you?"
"Do I also take a bath?"
Suddenly Yuno's footseps halted. He turned around and grasped Derick's shoulders, a smile plastered on his lips.
"Lieutenant, just tell the coach to prepare. I doubt that a bath would change anything."
With those words he patted Derick's back and strode off to his original destination. He ignores the string of curses coming from behind him as he hummed a tune.