The Arranged Suitor Was the Kidnapper

“To come to the imperial palace again…”

Theodore muttered timidly as he looked out of the carriage window.

The imperial invitation had come not only to Laria but to the entire family. And while they had declined invitations from other nobles, they couldn’t refuse this one.

In the end, all the members of the Rohan family had to come to the palace.

However, Herdin had to go to work, so he would join them at the imperial palace later.

“Don’t be nervous, sweetheart.”

Semela whispered, holding Theodore’s hand.

“If the Emperor says anything to you, I won’t let it slide.”

Was insulting the imperial family part of the family tradition? And this situation wasn’t even a bad one.

‘He probably knows by now.’

Laria had contacted Zenox before heading to the palace and informed him of their visit.

Since she had mentioned going to the palace, Zenox must have understood the situation to some extent.

‘They’ll probably tell us to get engaged quickly…’

She prayed that the Emperor wouldn’t interfere too much.

As they entered the imperial palace, they could see a barrier cast throughout the entire palace. Theodore’s eyes sparkled when he saw the barrier.

“Laria, isn’t it amazing?”

“I’m amazed every time I see it. I wonder how many sorcerers they used…”

“Surprisingly, it was cast by just one person.”

Laria’s eyes widened at Theodore’s explanation.

“One person did that?”

“It’s been that way for hundreds of years. I heard they’re from the white fox clan… There’s a chance it could be one of our ancestors.”

But it’s unlikely, Theodore added laughingly.

The possibility was slim, but Theodore smiled as he spoke. However, Laria took his words seriously.

‘What if the sorcerer who made the fox orb is one of our ancestors?’

Since the fox orb was made by extracting a part of their power, it was possible that a sorcerer with such abilities could be found among their ancestors.

For such a remarkable accomplishment, why were there so few known details?

It was as if someone was deliberately hiding information about the sorcerer.

While she was lost in thought, the carriage crossed an arched bridge. Beneath the bridge, pink lotus flowers were in full bloom.

“They’re pretty…”

As Laria admired the lotus flowers, Semela quietly said.

“Should we plant some lotus flowers in our house?”

To plant that many, it would cost a fortune. Laria shook her head with a shy smile.

“I see these occasionally. The flowers we have at our house right now are beautiful too.”

Laria, who didn’t know about the hidden wealth of the Rohan family, replied calmly.

Suddenly the carriage stopped.

“Welcome.”

A servant who seemed to be the chamberlain greeted the Rohan family.

Herdin, who was walking towards them in the distance, was also visible.

His expression was far from cheerful as he went to meet his highest-ranking boss.

“His Majesty is waiting for you. Please follow me.”

They followed the chamberlain and entered the main palace building.

The building itself was large, but the Emperor’s location was not far away, so they arrived quickly.

When the chamberlain personally opened the door, Theodore went inside first.

The Emperor and Ishel were sitting in the spacious drawing room.

‘There’s a Crown Prince too, right?’

Anxiety washed over Laria.

“May the Supreme Light shine upon the Frandel. I am Theodore Rohan, here to meet Your Majesty the Emperor.”

Starting with Theodore’s greeting, all the Rohan family members offered their greetings.

The Emperor rose from his seat to greet them.

“Welcome. Your journey must not have been easy. Originally, I should have come to meet you in person. I apologize for summoning you here.”

From his formal demeanor alone, it was clear why the Emperor was known as the Sage Emperor.

At the Emperor’s invitation, the four of them found their seats.

Herdin and Ishel exchanged glances as they were about to sit.

Ishel immediately averted his eyes.

As he ran away, his gaze was directed towards Laria. Ishel opened his mouth as if she wanted to say something, then closed it without speaking.

‘What… Why am I feeling so anxious?’

Normally, Ishel would have been noisy and talkative, but perhaps due to the presence of the Emperor, he remained silent. Well, it was more like… strangely quiet.

‘Looks like eye contact can be noisy.’

Although trying to convey something with his eyes, she wondered why he was bothering.

“Thanks to you, we were able to prevent a disaster. I express my gratitude to the Rohan family.”

While the gratitude had already been expressed in writing, it seemed insufficient.

Despite the Emperor’s sincere gratitude, Theodore seemed perplexed, and the rest of them sat there dumbfounded.

Semela and Herdin had an expression that seemed to say, ‘Surely he didn’t bring us here just to express gratitude.’

Fortunately, it seemed that neither the Emperor nor the Crown Prince noticed the impolite glances.

“Ah, no. I just did what needed to be done.”

Theodoer scratched his cheek awkwardly as he spoke. The Emperor’s smile deepened, apparently pleased with Theodore’s response.

“Count Rohan.”

“…Yes.”

In an instant, the tense Theodore straightened his posture.

“Do you have any interest in politics by any chance?”

“…Um, yes?”

Unexpectedly, everyone’s eyes widened at the sudden proposal.

“I’ve always been looking for sincere and just people like yourself. If you have an interest in politics, I will support you.”

At the radical suggestion, even Laria was taken aback.

‘Wait, what?’

Wasn’t the reason she had to confront Zenox because her family was a powerless and insignificant one?

She couldn’t grasp the Emperor’s intention in offering support like this.

‘Something’s strange.’

For the first time, Laria felt that she might be missing something.

‘Or is he planning to keep an eye on us personally?’

After all the recent incidents, she became more suspicious.

Even Ishel, seeing Laria’s sharp gaze, seemed to squirm awkwardly.

Then, receiving Herdin’s cold gaze, he became quiet.

Theodore, who had been momentarily stunned, finally opened his mouth.

“I’m truly sorry, but… this is an offer that is far too much for me.”

“You don’t have to answer right away.”

“No, even if you give me a lot of time, my answer will be the same.”

Theodore’s anxiety, which had been present all along, seemed to disappear, and his attitude became composed.

The Emperor looked into his eyes and realized that no amount of persuasion would change his mind.

“The Rohan family is truly unique. If it were others, they wouldn’t have missed this opportunity.”

Whether it was praise or a taunt, Theodore just nodded, and the Emperor smiled.

“I understand the intention of the Count. Now, I’d like to hear your opinion on trading with the Rohan Merchants.”

Theodore’s eyes widened gradually at the Emperor’s proposal.

His herbal medicine business was not on a large scale, yet the Emperor extended his hand to trade with the Rohan Merchants.

Not knowing what to do, Theodore burst into laughter.

“It’s an honor that may never come again.”

Seeing Theodore’s pleased expression, the corners of Semela and Laria’s lips loosened slightly. Meanwhile, she was curious about the Emperor’s true intentions.

‘Why is he being so helpful…?’

The Emperor, who had been smiling contentedly, turned his head to look at Semella.

“The Empress is eagerly anticipating the Countess Rohan. I will give you the opportunity to assert yourself.”

“Of course.”

Semella didn’t seem to dislike it.

Since the Empress’s hometown was adjacent to Semela’s, they would have much to talk about.

“And Lord Herdin, I am always grateful.”

Herdin served as the Crown Prince’s personal physician but was responsible for all the nobles under the Emperor. Under the Emperor’s command, Herdin seemed nonchalant, even somewhat sluggish.

“I’ve heard that the Crown Prince is treating you poorly. I’ve approved an extended leave, so please check.”

“I will continue to serve loyally.”

Laria swallowed her laughter at the noticeably changed attitude of Herdin.

It seemed that vacation was the best reward for an employee.

Finally, the Emperor’s gaze fell on Laria.

“I’d like to have a separate place for young lady Rohan and have a conversation.”

Instantly, the family’s eyes became sharp.

As the Emperor, who received everyone’s attention, extended his hand, he said:

“I’ve been wanting to meet the lover of my beloved nephew. There are things I want to say.”

“All right.”

When Laria readily agreed, the three pairs of eyes focused directly on her.

It was going to end up like this anyway. She thought that someday she would have to negotiate with the Emperor.

Laria gestured that it was okay, and everyone reluctantly respected her decision.

“I’ll step out now.”

Semela, Theodore, and Herdin left one after another. Only Laria, the Emperor, and Ishel remained.

‘Is the Crown Prince not leaving?’

Dealing with both of them at once was challenging…

While she was regretting not bringing Zenox, Ishel quietly took a step back.

“May I speak?”

Who told him not to speak?

Finding it ridiculous, Laria glanced at him. Ishel closed his mouth again.

Then, after sending an ardent gaze once again, he spoke.

“Can’t you just say it out loud?”

“Thank you. I thought I was going to suffocate from frustration.”

“…Did I tell you not to speak?”

“It’s not that, but I heard that the young lady dislikes me because I talk too much.”

Who told you this?

When Laria blinked, Ishel was the one who seemed bewildered.

After hesitating for a moment, Ishel cautiously looked at the Emperor. Then, he gingerly opened his mouth.

“You… by any chance.”

Are you being blackmailed by Zenox because you don’t want to get engaged?”

“Not wanting to get engaged, are you being threatened by Zenox?”