WTSP - 46

Contrary to my expectation that he would just doodle a bit and stop, Serdel began to draw quite seriously.

At this point, I wondered if there was anything he couldn’t do. Looks and power, swordsmanship and knowledge. Like a male lead in a novel, I thought he had it all, but to think he could even draw.

‘If he draws so confidently and the result is funny, that’ll be interesting in its own way.’

At that thought, a chuckle escaped me, but I quickly composed myself and straightened my lips.

Trying to stay as still as possible while he sketched me made the back of my neck stiffen.

Serdel alternated his gaze between the paper and me, moving his wrist. The scratching sound as the pencil lead touched the thick paper was pleasant to hear.

“You don’t have to be so stiff like a log. Your face is already imprinted in my mind anyway.”

“Still, wouldn’t it be distracting if I kept moving?”

I gave an unnatural smile and lightly brushed my cheek with my fingertips. Both staying still and moving felt awkward.

I soon straightened my posture and looked back at Serdel.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen him so focused... So that’s the face he makes.’

His firmly closed lips formed a straight line. Serdel had long eyelashes, but thanks to his overall sharp features, he had a strong, masculine feel.

“You’re staring intently, Imperial Concubine.”

Until Serdel mentioned it, I had momentarily forgotten that I was gazing at him. It wasn’t just because of his handsome appearance. Serdel had a power that captivated people’s eyes.

Perhaps it was because he was born the Emperor’s son and had always had to hold everyone’s attention.

‘But you’re staring just as intently.’

I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Every time his gaze lingered on me, I couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious. It wasn’t a blatant stare, but his deep eyes made me feel as if I were being stripped bare.

Serdel, who had been moving his pencil for a full ten minutes, checked his drawing overall and then nodded.

Was it finished? With a hopeful heart, I shifted in my seat.

Being with Serdel had somehow calmed the gloomy emotions that had been weighing on me.

Since when had he become someone who gave me a sense of stability just by spending time together? I felt like I was slowly returning to a peaceful routine.

“Can I see it? Your Majesty. I want to see it.”

“I’m not sure if it will please you. It’s been a long time since I held a pencil. I used to draw quite often in my childhood, though.”

In reality, I didn’t have high expectations. He had been busily educated to become Emperor since he was young, so he probably didn’t have much time to draw.

‘Whatever it is, it’s probably better than what I can draw.’

I shrugged and glanced at the paper Serdel was holding.

Then, I let out a “huh” of disbelief.

Was this even real? I couldn’t help but widen my eyes and look at Serdel’s profile.

“Your Majesty, this is too much, isn’t it? No. In the world, there’s such an overpowered character...”

“Overpowered?”

“Ah, no. It was a slip of the tongue. This is beyond the level of drawing a few times in childhood!”

I had thought I had been using Ophelia’s way of speaking quite well for a while, but a word I used in the past had unconsciously slipped out.

I was relieved that he didn’t seem to have heard it properly. My mouth was agape, my jaw feeling stiff.

I exclaimed in admiration and took the paper from him.

“This looks like it could be used as my portrait without any alterations. Really... there’s nothing Your Majesty can’t do. I wonder if this is even allowed.”

“I will take that as a compliment.”

“It’s not just a compliment, this is a work of art.”

He truly was someone who perfectly fit the term ‘overpowered character’.

His drawing was so detailed it was reminiscent of a photograph. The casually drawn black lines came together to create an atmospheric sketch.

‘What on earth can’t he do? At this point, it’s frustrating. He’s the perfect man that only exists in novels.’

At the same time, I thought, so this is how I look in Serdel’s eyes.

The me in the sketch was smiling slightly. That appearance was incredibly lovely. A laugh naturally escaped me.

“If you like it, you can have it. I will give it to you as a gift.”

“Of course, I like it, Your Majesty. So this is how I look in your eyes... Thank you. I will treasure it.”

“In return for that, I hope you will hurry and return to reality. You know what I mean.”

I slowly nodded at Serdel’s words. Having received an unexpected gift, a corner of my heart tickled.

Seeing Serdel off as he had to go to the conference, I looked around at the surroundings filled with flowers. It finally felt like spring was truly in the air.

A soft breeze brushed past my cheek, and both my cheeks flushed a rosy color.

I slowly lowered my eyelids and fully embraced the spring atmosphere.

________________________________________

The next day, as soon as I opened my eyes, I headed to Serdel’s reception room. It was because I had decided to return to reality as soon as possible.

Now, I felt like I could somewhat accept Theo’s death and the fact that this world was my reality.

‘There’s no reason to worry and be afraid of a future that hasn’t even happened yet. Even if something like that does happen, I can protect them.’

As I steeled my heart, the gloom that had been holding me back gradually faded.

More than anything, I wanted to see his face and talk to him right now. The time I spent with Serdel was incredibly enjoyable and exciting.

Serdel was waiting for me with two teacups and a teapot prepared.

‘......How did he know I was coming?’

I was a little surprised, but I felt a tickle in a corner of my heart at his thoughtfulness and consideration. I also wondered if we had become close enough for him to predict my actions.

“Sit down, Imperial Concubine. It’s the tea you like.”

“The tea I like? You really know everything, Your Majesty.”

“It’s something you can know if you pay just a little attention.”

I couldn’t help but let out a small laugh at his unadorned reply.

He was so honest. Despite it being early morning, he looked perfect. I couldn’t even begin to guess how early he woke up.

Soon, Serdel tilted the teapot and poured black tea into my cup. The sweet and bitter scent of bergamot tickled my nose.

‘Lena must have given him a hint.’

Sipping my tea, I glanced at Serdel.

His hand holding the teacup, though he didn’t seem to be gripping it with any particular force, had visible veins on the back.

His body, with firm muscles that weren’t overly bulky but rather of a fine build, along with his broad shoulders, thighs, and thick wrists, exuded a dangerous charm.

‘What on earth am I doing, staring like this while drinking tea...?’

My face flushed at the fleeting thought. Seeing me having such silly thoughts, it seemed I was truly getting better.

Now that things had turned out this way, I brought up the topic I had wanted to avoid for the past few days.

“Your Majesty. There’s something I want to ask.”

“What is it?”

“About Theo... the incident. Has the culprit been caught?”

Just yesterday, I had hesitated to even say Theo’s name, but now that I had spoken it, I felt a sense of relief.

Serdel met my gaze, looking surprised, and then put down the teacup he was holding.

He lowered his gaze, lost in thought for a moment. The way he stroked his chin suggested he was contemplating how much to tell me.

Before long, a low voice echoed in my ear.

“We haven’t identified everyone involved in the incident, but fortunately, we were able to capture a few mages. I believe we need to investigate further for the details. Harpin is interrogating them, but it seems they are not readily opening their mouths. We will likely need a suitable method.”

“That method isn’t going to involve killing them, is it?”

“Do I look like such a cruel person? I merely intend to administer appropriate torture.”

“I thought Your Majesty might use quite drastic methods. By the way, it’s troubling that they aren’t talking yet. Who on earth is behind them that they are maintaining such silence?”

“If there is any progress, I will inform you first. Until then, do not worry.”

Serdel looked at me with deep eyes. To an outsider, he might have seemed indifferent, but I could feel the worry and tenderness in his voice.

A smile naturally formed on my lips.

“I will. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“By the way, it seems you are now willing to talk about me and that child, Imperial Concubine. After avoiding me with all your might.”

“...It’s difficult to explain in detail, but I felt a sense of self-loathing and helplessness at the fact that Theo died. The feeling that I couldn’t protect a young child who trusted only me...”

I fiddled with my fingertips for no reason. But the silence didn’t last long.

“I was afraid that I would experience such things many more times in the future. Seeing Your Majesty, who resembled that child, I felt like these negative emotions would wash over me like a wave. But I was worried for nothing. It seems I’m doing better than I thought.”

I gave an awkward smile and brought the teacup to my lips.

Serdel tilted his head slightly, looking intrigued. His eyes narrowed slightly.

“Did I resemble him? I didn’t think we looked that similar.”

“Yes. Not only his jet-black hair and green eyes... but also his aura. Of course, it might just be my personal impression. It made me imagine what Your Majesty was like as a child, you know?”

I chuckled softly and looked at him.

If Theo hadn’t died, he would have grown up to be such a handsome and wonderful man. Serdel, who had been listening to my story quietly, shrugged lightly.

The words that flowed from his lips were a completely unexpected answer.

“Well. I didn’t have black hair when I was young. I was blonde.”

My eyes widened, and I wore an expression of disbelief. He was blonde?