•?••? ? ?••?•

Inside Claude’s office. Even as Ray entered, Claude who summoned him, didn’t spare him a glance, engrossed in the documents before him.

“Greetings, His Highness Claude.”

Despite Ray’s greeting, Claude’s focus remained on the papers.

Usually, they would have exchanged a friendly glance upon meeting. They might have teased each other with playful jokes, making fun of each other’s embarrassed expressions.

In the palace, where one must never show vulnerability, they had been the sole exceptions, freely revealing their relaxed sides to each other.

Now, with the palpably changed atmosphere, Ray stood in a formal stance, silently waiting for Claude to speak.

“Did you escort the young lady safely that day?”

The vague question didn’t specify anyone, but Ray instantly understood.

“Yes. I escorted Lady Iva, who felt dizzy at the dinner, to the entrance of the palace.”

Upon hearing Iva’s name, Claude’s busy pen came to a sudden stop.

Then, for the first time, his gaze met Ray’s.

“Ray.”

“Yes.”

“Is Lady Iva the one you’re so infatuated with, almost to the point of falling sick?”

With no intention of beating around the bush, Claude’s tone was firm. In response, Ray stared back at him steadily.

“Why ask such a question all of a sudden?”

“I had informed you that the girl with the black cat mask at the masquerade party was Lady Iva. I didn’t want any secrets between us.”

“…You did.”

“So, I’d like you to share with me now.”

Though Claude phrased it as a question, his tone suggested he already knew the answer. Facing this, Ray sealed his lips even tighter.

Because he had made a promise to Iva.

‘I don’t like the idea of others gossiping about it. So please, refrain from mentioning it.’

Recalling Iva’s words, Ray responded to Claude.

“I cannot say.”

Faced with Ray’s uncharacteristically evasive answer, Claude’s eyes narrowed.

“Ray, I’ll ask once more.”

“…”

“What is your relationship with Lady Iva?”

“I cannot say.”

In the same tone as before, Ray avoided answering.

“Was Lady Iva the one you dated, asking me for restaurant recommendations? When I said I liked her, were you mocking me behind my back, suggesting ours was a relationship that couldn’t be?”

“I cannot…”

“Yes or no. Answer with one of those.”

Claude’s tone had turned imperative. The atmosphere in the office grew colder.

Under Claude’s gaze, which seemed to urge a prompt response, Ray remained silent.

Yes or no – he chose to give neither answer.

“Hmph.”

Realizing the implications, Claude smirked, covering his mouth with his hand.

“Your current attitude speaks the answer.”

“…”

“Given your inability to utter a single word, I assume that our relationship wasn’t that deep, Ray Castello.”

At Claude’s sharp tone, Ray’s eyebrows twitched.

“I’m merely being cautious because I don’t wish to speak carelessly.”

“So now, speaking to me is ‘being careless’?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then why can’t you give a straightforward answer? What exactly transpired between the two of you?”

When pressed, Ray chose to close his mouth instead of responding. This only seemed to aggravate Claude more, causing a frown to crease his brow.

As silence lingered, Claude lost himself in thought for a moment, then lowered the hand covering his mouth. 

His previously furrowed brow smoothed out, replaced by a smile.

It was the distinct smile he wore when dealing with adversaries in the palace.

“Since you’ve given no response, I’ll take it as if there’s no relationship between you two.”

As Claude’s voice grew cheerful, a hint of anxiety crossed Ray’s features.

“Even if I make the young lady the Princess consort, it shouldn’t concern you, right?”

“Your Highness!”

“How dare you raise your voice at me?”

The smile on Claude’s face disappeared in an instant, turning cold. Ray found himself biting the inside of his mouth, unable to speak further.

“As you already know, I am quite fond of that young lady. To the extent that I wish to have her by my side for life.”

Without realizing it, Ray’s grip tightened, his emotions threatening to burst out, causing his clenched fists to tremble.

“There’s an upcoming meal with the Emperor. It’s a dinner to welcome Julian, but it’s also a perfect occasion to discuss the Princess consort.”

Claude looked down at Ray’s quivering hand with piercing eyes.

“I’ll personally tell the Emperor that you’ve said she would make a fitting Princess consort. The Emperor would trust it more if it came from you.”

He was deliberately provoking Ray, urging him to reveal those deeply buried feelings.

What exactly had happened between the two that made Ray hide his feelings to such an extent?

Claude was growing anxious, suspecting something had transpired solely between the pair.

“…”

Yet, Ray chose not to answer till the end. He just stared back at Claude, his face tensed from suppressing his anger.

“Leave. I have no more to discuss with you.”

“…Understood.”

•?••? ? ?••?•