When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 97

Kaver bowed his head.

‘I can’t bring myself to look up.’

His father’s gaze, fixed on him, was filled with disappointment.

There was no room for excuses, nor any desire to argue.

“Tell me about the situation with the Pelleponcia Kingdom.”

At the Emperor’s calm tone, Kaver opened his mouth after careful consideration.

“A letter will arrive soon. The tariffs will be restored to their original level and maintained at a 5% reduced price. Also, it would be best if the Imperial Family kept this.”

Kaver took Adel’s necklace from his pocket.

“You’ve handled things well.”

The Emperor held the necklace in his hand, peering inside.

“What did you ask for in return?”

“I intend to keep this matter quiet. The Pelleponcia Kingdom seems to have been investigating the Sword of the Empire.”

Kaver continued, recalling the book about the Trailla family.

“They didn’t have accurate information, but it seems Princess Adel gained knowledge about the contract because of it.”

“You brought that book as well, I presume.”

“I will have Haban bring it.”

The Emperor nodded silently.

“It seems the King of Pelleponcia acted swiftly. He has already issued a separate punishment for her.”

“He must have feared the Empire’s retaliation.”

“It was the Princess’s solo act, so there’s no need for the countries to suffer losses.”

Kaver did not want war. It was the people who suffered because of it.

However, he had no intention of simply letting it pass.

Things seemed to have turned out more favorably for the Empire than expected.

“Please allow a man named Berham to seek asylum in the Empire.”

“Seeing you say that, he must be someone who has contributed to this matter.”

Kaver nodded.

He had promised to ensure his safety, so the Imperial Family had to protect his life.

“Originally, he was the one who crafted the necklace passed down in the kingdom.”

“Did he willingly choose to become a citizen of the Empire?”

“Yes, since he was already hiding in the Empire, I believe it was a good choice for him.”

Kaver continued to explain what he had handled.

The Emperor listened silently until he finished.

“That’s all I have to report.”

“Is there anything else you wish to say?”

Kaver couldn’t easily open his mouth, feeling guilty.

“…I didn’t trust you, Father.”

He expected the Emperor to get angry at any moment, but he stroked his chin with an indifferent expression.

“I plan to hold a meeting with the vassals tomorrow.”

“Isn’t it not a formal meeting day?”

Kaver felt uneasy at the Emperor’s words.

“I intend to finalize the succession rights along with the story about Lady Leyla.”

Since he had stepped down from the position of the Sword of the Empire, it was natural to inform the vassals [high-ranking officials]. There would be some opposition from them, but there was no need to worry.

The relationship between Leyla and the Imperial Family had not soured.

“I promised the Princess something else, so it’s just the right time.”

The Emperor was planning to seat Leyla in the vacant position of the head of the Trailla family.

Leyla would become Kaver’s strength and support base. Separately, she would also get what she wanted, so it was a good deal for both of them.

“Don’t hate me too much.”

“…I don’t hate you, Father.”

There was sadness in Kaver’s voice. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand.

That was what the Emperor’s seat was like.

“What will you do with me? I will accept whatever punishment.”

He closed his eyes as if he was prepared.

“I will think about it.”

The Emperor gestured for Kaver to leave.

* * *

Leyla strolled through the garden, looking around. She even felt a sense of regret at the now familiar scenery of the Imperial Palace.

“Sister!”

With the news that her ego had returned, Leta ran to her in one breath and hugged her.

She couldn’t even speak properly with joy.

“I’m so glad. Really……”

Leyla patted Leta’s back and smiled brightly.

“Ah! Sister, there’s no time for this!”

Leta quickly wiped away her tears and urged her, grabbing Leyla’s hand.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s time for you to do what you have to do!”

At Leta’s words, Leyla tilted her head.

“What I have to do?”

Leyla was led to her room by her hand.

* * *

Leyla, who came to Leta’s room, widened her eyes as she looked at the piles of documents.

“Don’t be surprised. I’ve already reviewed all of this.”

Leyla stared at Leta, seemingly surprised by the documents.

“I worked hard, though it’s not enough, in preparation for when you came back.”

Leta had been gradually handling the affairs of the Trailla family with the help of Haban. She had narrowed down the maids to be interviewed, and the interior of the mansion had also been neatly finished.

“You did well.”

Leyla stroked Leta’s hair and praised her.

The documents were perfectly organized without anything to add.

“I’m glad……. I was so nervous.”

Leta slid down and lay on the bed.

She had been worried about what to do if the work was done wrong. She had reviewed each and every one, thinking that she had never done it before and that she might harm the family.

“Sir Haban helped a lot.”

Leyla sat in a chair and read the documents that needed to be approved.

“Why did you leave it when you could have done it on your own?”

She questioned the fact that even minor items were awaiting approval.

Leta raised her upper body and hesitated.

“That’s……”

When she tried to say it, she choked up. Leta composed herself with tears that seemed to pour out at any moment.

“If I do it all…… I thought you wouldn’t come back.”

Leta finally burst into tears.

She cried so much that she thought she wouldn’t cry anymore, but it kept flowing out.

“Hic, so…… that’s what happened. I wanted you to come back quickly and finish the work.”

Leyla’s heart ached as she watched Leta cry incessantly.

She could imagine how anxious Leta must have been without her saying anything.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry……”

Leta hugged Leyla and cried like a child.

“Let’s really go back to our house now.”

Leyla’s voice was wet. But more than ever, the two were happy.

Because they could really go home.

“But will His Majesty allow it……?”

Leta mumbled in a sobbing voice.

“He has no choice but to allow it.”

Now that her position as the Sword of the Empire was gone, she needed the title of head of the Trailla family. And that would soon become the Crown Prince’s strength.

“Even if His Majesty doesn’t allow it, we have to take it back.”

Leta nodded at Leyla’s unwavering, straight voice.

She was still firm and had grown stronger and more solid due to many things.

“So, don’t worry.”

Leta hugged Leyla’s waist tighter and smiled.

“But what about Ren? I don’t think I’ve seen him since earlier……”

Ren, who was always by Leyla’s side, was nowhere to be seen. Leyla shrugged her shoulders as she looked out the window.

“Doesn’t Ren need his own time too?”

It would be strange to feel since he left the Imperial Palace for the first time in his life.

“Are you continuing the contract with Sister?”

“If I break the contract, Ren will be sealed in the sword.”

Leyla couldn’t let that happen. Ren also had to continue the contract with the ability user to exist.

She stroked the pattern still on her neck and approached the window.

She leaned out the window, which was opened wide by her hand, and looked to the side.

“I don’t want Ren to disappear.”

Leyla made eye contact with Ren, who was getting some fresh air. His long black hair fluttered in the wind, revealing Ren’s face.

“We might have to be together until we die.”

Ren’s red eyes shook for a moment.

“Leyla, you misunderstand me.”

Soon, the corners of Ren’s lips turned up completely.

At the words that were like a confession, Ren ruffled his hair and jumped up from his seat.

What is it about Ren’s appearance, standing precariously on the railing, that makes me think he’s beautiful?

Leyla couldn’t take her eyes off Ren.

Leta came to Leyla, who was attached to the window, and leaned out her head and was shocked.

“W, why are you standing there if you don’t like it?!”

Leta looked down and immediately turned her gaze away, turning pale.

“Come down quickly!”

“Where to? Down there?”

Ren sat on the railing with his legs crossed, teasing Leta.

“O, oh! He’s really crazy.”

Leyla couldn’t say anything because Leta’s reaction was funny. Ren was free to go anywhere, and this height was nothing to him.

“You’re such a worried young lady.”

Ren approached the window and poked Leta’s nose.

“If you react like that, I want to do it more because it’s fun.”

Leyla shook her head firmly as she looked at Ren.

“Hold on, Leta might really believe it.”

Indeed, her eyes were full of surprise as she looked at Ren now.

“F, floating in the air……?”

Leta rubbed her eyes and looked again. Ren was still facing her in front of the window.

“Oh my god! That’s amazing!”

She covered her mouth with both hands and exclaimed.

Ren seemed to sense the anxiety in her sparkling eyes and slipped back.

But soon Leta grabbed her by the collar and pulled her.

Leyla laughed next to her and looked at them alternately. It seemed that Ren had stimulated Leta’s curiosity.

“Me too! I want to fly too!”

“Put this down……”

Ren, who seemed rather embarrassed, coughed in vain, avoiding Leta’s gaze.