The Male Lead Is Targeting Me, Not My Younger Sister - Chapter 54

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Male Lead Targets Me, Not My Sister 054
At that moment, in the Imperial Palace.
Ludwig smiled softly.
“It has been some time since we last met.”
The Emperor too lifted the corners of his mouth in a subtle grin.
“Come, sit.”
Ludwig complied without hesitation, taking his seat.
Between them, as always, lay a Chess Board.
The Emperor played white.
Ludwig played black.
The Emperor reached for a white pawn with practiced ease.
Tap.
The first move settled quietly upon the board.
“Quite busy, aren’t you?”
Ludwig moved a black piece in turn.
“But surely Your Majesty must be even more occupied than I.”
“Is that so?”
The Emperor spoke with unhurried ease.
“Yet you visit so rarely of late.”
Beyond the window, warm sunlight streamed long and golden into the Reception Room.
An afternoon of perfect tranquility.
Just as a gentle breeze stirred the curtains with soft grace.
“Do you truly wish for me to visit more often?”
The Emperor’s hand, reaching for a bishop, froze in mid-air.
A brief silence.
Ludwig smiled with elegant composure.
Ha ha.
“Let us say that I do.”
The Emperor drew his lips upward in a knowing smile.
Yet in his blue eyes there lingered not a trace of warmth.
“Who else would offer me worthy opposition? All around me are nothing but flatterers and sycophants.”
“It is my honor to provide Your Majesty with whatever modest entertainment my meager talents allow.”
The reply was impeccably courteous.
Yet even as he spoke, Ludwig’s hand moved without hesitation to seize a Chess Piece.
Click.
A white piece tumbled weakly to its side.
Stillness descended upon the chamber.
The Emperor, who had been quiet for a moment, let out a low chuckle.
“You’ve grown quite skilled indeed.”
The game resumed at once.
“As you may know, the Imperial Supreme Council will convene shortly.”
The Emperor spoke with leisurely ease.
“It promises to be quite a large gathering. Will you attend?”
“I shall simply fulfill my duty, as always.”
“Duty, is it…… How very like you.”
His movements were unhurried and composed.
“Though I do find one thing most unfortunate.”
Yet the air between them had grown taut with tension.
“You know well that the Empire has fallen into disarray of late. In such times, those of us in positions of authority must bear our responsibilities with ever greater solemnity.”
Moves were exchanged, but neither player moved toward easy victory.
“It would serve you well to remain mindful always that countless lives hang upon each choice you make.”
“I am ever attentive to Your Majesty’s counsel.”
“You speak well enough.”
The Emperor gave a quiet laugh.
“No. You have yet to truly understand. What burden your shoulders bear, and how terribly heavy it weighs.”
Ludwig did not answer.
“But a day will come when you must make a choice.”
And perhaps that day was not so distant.
“I pray only that when it comes, you will choose with wisdom.”
A silence heavy as death fell upon them.
At first glance, Ludwig appeared to be deliberating over his next move, but both of them knew that wasn’t actually the case.
“I see.”
At last, Ludwig smiled faintly and moved his piece.
Checkmate.
“I’ve taken your words to heart. I shall remember them well.”
Ha.
The Emperor let out a laugh at the end.
“So that is your answer.”
“I’m not certain what you mean, Your Majesty.”
Ludwig spoke with ease, and the Emperor pressed no further.
“I understand that Your Majesty takes thought for my unworthy sake, but please do not concern yourself overmuch. As a member of the Imperial Family, I am always mindful of my duties.”
“Are you? Then tell me—what is your duty?”
“The Empire.”
His voice was calm and measured.
“I have always acted solely for the Empire’s sake.”
His eyes softened at the corners.
The Emperor regarded his brother in silence, studying him intently.
Then, from the distant Bell Tower, a soft chime rang out.
“The hour has come. I must take my leave.”
Once the appointed time had elapsed, Ludwig rose from his seat without hesitation.
“Thank you for sparing me your precious time. I look forward to your next invitation.”
Ludwig offered a formal bow according to protocol and departed.
It was then.
“Ludwig.”
Just as he was about to step completely out of the Reception Room, the Emperor called him back.
“Do you remember what happened several years ago?”
Ludwig did not answer, nor did he turn around.
“That was the first and only time you used the Imperial Family name for a private matter. I found it quite remarkable—most unexpected.”
During his Military Academy days.
That incident.
Ludwig had tried his best to bury it, but the Emperor had known all along.
“It was truly nothing of consequence. Hardly worth mentioning. I have no intention of reproaching you for such a trifle. If a man cannot act freely in one small matter, what use is such an illustrious name? And yet.”
The Emperor’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“Should a similar situation arise in the future, I am curious to see what choice you would make.”
A brief silence fell.
“I shall do my utmost to ensure that Your Majesty is not disappointed.”
With those words, Ludwig moved forward without delay.
At last, the Emperor was alone in the Reception Room.
The Emperor chuckled to himself.
He gazed down at the Chess Board, speaking in an amused tone.
“How entertaining. Most entertaining indeed.”
* * *
“Ahhhhhhh.”
Thud.
Lydia buried her face in the desk.
‘I’m exhausted. Completely exhausted.’
From Karl to Dietrich.
Truly, the day had dragged on forever.
‘I’m dead on my feet.’
And to make matters worse, in the evening Sylvia and Joachim had bickered with each other, and she’d had to break it up—what a disaster that had been.
At this rate, she was definitely going to end up as a governess—no, a governess-in-chains!
Lydia yawned elaborately, her face twisted into a grimace as she stretched.
‘Ah, whatever. Things will sort themselves out somehow.’
Her eyelids felt heavy.
Well, she’d finished all her tasks for the day, so now she could finally head to bed….
Knock, knock.
“Miss Lydia.”
Huh?
The source of the unexpected knock was the Butler.
“What is it?”
“That is…….”
Lydia tilted her head.
‘Why does he look like that?’
He seemed flustered and anxious, like someone desperately needing the privy…….
“We have a visitor on the first floor, miss.”
“What?!”
Lydia’s eyes widened in shock.
‘A visitor? At this hour? That can’t be right!’
Outside the window, darkness was settling in.
“Who shows up unannounced without so much as a warning? And at this time of night?!”
Even by twenty-first-century Earth standards, let alone K-Ropan nobility, it made no sense.
And since the Butler said nothing more, it didn’t seem urgent either!
‘He’s treating me like a fool!’
Lydia huffed indignantly and rolled up her sleeves.
“This won’t do. Let me see the face of whoever doesn’t know basic etiquette.”
“Oh, Miss Lydia, please wait just a moment. You see, that is actually……!”
And the moment she glimpsed the ‘rude intruder’s’ face, Lydia nearly screamed inside.
“It’s been a while.”
It was Ludwig.
‘This is insane.’
A chill shot down her spine.
Three weeks had passed since she’d last seen him, and his smug face was somehow even more electrifying than before. Like being stung by a jellyfish’s poison…….
Lydia bit her tongue hard, swallowed her urge to scream, and sat down across from him.
“Er…….”
“Er?”
“Why have you come?”
Damn. That came out more honest than intended.
“You’ve become quite direct lately. A pleasant change from before.”
Ludwig’s lips curved upward with ease.
Lydia immediately bowed her head.
“I apologize. My words came out wrong. I should have greeted you properly first.”
“Not at all. I’m glad to see that you’re growing comfortable with me.”
I am not comfortable with you!
‘……What is he up to?’
Her heart began to race without reason.
She’d been avoiding Ludwig precisely because of all this confusion.
In truth, her wariness of him had only grown sharper than before.
‘There are too many suspicious things about him.’
Lydia narrowed her eyes and studied him carefully.
Yet Ludwig’s face remained as composed as it had been three weeks ago.
‘Perhaps I’m the only one being cautious.’
Lydia had only just grasped the connection between Joachim and Ludwig, but Ludwig was simply doing as he always did.
“Ah.”
Realization struck her.
“Did you come for the Purification?”
Now that she thought about it, it did seem about time.
The moment she understood why he’d come, her answer came quickly.
“Give me your hand. I’ll perform the Purification for you.”
She hadn’t practiced separately since then, but……well, she could just do it the same way as last time, right?
But in the very next instant.
‘Hm?’
Ludwig rested his head against Lydia’s shoulder.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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