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"Huh! What did you just say?"
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I think my words echoed throughout the palace all morning. I was surprised at my own voice.
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I was so shocked that I dropped all the papers I was carrying on the floor.
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I was instantly beheaded for talking to the prince this way.
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But what Vian just said was totally unexpected and too abrupt.
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Anyone would want to yell out after something like that. ...... I feel like my language has gotten worse since I came to Laval.
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Didn't you hear me? So."
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"I heard you, but I don't believe you! You don't have to tell me twice!"
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"Wow, you're cute when you're upset."
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Vian stares at me with a grin.
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What the hell kind of train of thought is this guy?
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"What's so bad about it? You could be the wife of an emperor, you know?"
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"That's why! Don't say that!"
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"You're strange."
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He looks at me strangely.
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...... You're the one who's strange! How could you make an empress out of someone you don't even know?
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I came to Laval as a spy, not as an empress. I must return to Durkis one day.
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How can you say such a thing if you don't even like me?
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I take a deep breath and then calmly begin the conversation.
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You need to calm down, Alicia.
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"I'm rather fond of you, you know."
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"You don't have romantic feelings."
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"You don't need love in marriage. Only a commoner can have that."
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Sure, if you're a prince. .......
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There is no such thing as a love marriage. Usually you just go along with the engagement your parents set.
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In my case, I would never be asked to marry anyone in Durkis. I am notorious for it. Except for ...... the Duke.
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"And you're the right person for the Empress."
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I tilt my head back, unsure of what Vian has just said.
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"You have all the qualities to be an empress."
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"Me? Why! It's true that there seem to be a lot of bad girls for empresses. ......"
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"What are you talking about?"
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Viane looks doubtful at my mutterings.
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"No, nothing."
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......For now, let's focus on the task at hand. I don't want to be bothered with his words any longer.
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I pick up the piece of paper that has fallen on the ground. Then I see something shimmering at the edge of the floor.
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Hmm? What is that? Maybe it's a coin.
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I step toward the shiny spot. Then I slowly grab it and roll it in my palm.
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............ Is this lipstick?
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"I wonder whose it is."
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I observe the lipstick carefully.
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Could it be Vian's mistress? It's not surprising if he has a mistress or two.
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"Hey, this is ......."
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Viane said, "What?" I turn around. At the same time, I noticed the lipstick in my palm and snatched it away from my hand.
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I reacted like a person who has been caught cheating on his wife. Unusually for Viane, I could see that she was impatient.
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Well, you just asked me to become an empress. Of course she's going to be upset when she sees the lipstick.
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