6. Rivals

*At the Emperor's office*

"I want to ask you, Lady Julianne. How did you and July became friends?" Taehyung asked.

"When I was only 6 years old before the incident, my so-called friends invited me to go to the mountains to see if the devil's child."

"Devil's child?"

"July was called a devil's child because of how she looked and when she hurt somebody. We found an abandoned house where she was and we went inside. But when we saw her, we all got scared and they all run away. One of them pushed me and I fell on the ground. She saw me and her glare scared me. I couldn't move at all. I thought I was about to die, so I closed my eyes, waiting for her to hurt me. But I felt her patting my head instead and she spoke."

*Flashback*

"A-are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?" The 8 years old July asked, worried.

*I open my eyes and saw her crying. But I was more shocked by how beautiful she is. She's dirty, wearing a big coat that I never seen before, and her long hair was covering her face*

"Beautiful..." The 6 years old Julianne said.

"Be.. beau... beautiful?"

Julianne realized what she just said and started blushing.

"Y-yes, you're... beautiful."

"T-thank you... you're beautiful too!" July said and gave her a smile.

*At that time, I couldn't believe that she was called a devil's child. She was just a normal girl like me. The only difference was that she's alone... of course she'll be cautious. That's why she hit someone. She probably felt that she was in danger.*

*I wasn't able to go home because the other kids left me. But she never left me alone and even gave me food when I got hungry.*

"Here... Elie gave me this. It's a sweet fruit." The young July said.

"Thanks." Julianne grabs and starts eating.

"This is sweet. Who's Elie? I thought you were alone."

***

"I bet you already knew Elie, am I right, your majesty?"

"Yes, she's over protective of her. I can tell that she already wants to kill me when I answered July in a rude way." Taehyung said.

"I also experienced the same thing when I met her. Elie was a weak spirit at that time, so she wasn't able to protect July when people bullied her. When she grew stronger, she promised July that she'll protect her forever."

"Yes, I was happy that July has Elie."

"But, your majesty. Did you know that Elie was also saved by Unnie?" Julianne asked.

"No... I wasn't able to ask."

***

*As I continued visiting July and Elie to play, I got closer to them and learned that Elie was a spirit slave.*

"What's a spirit slave?" Julianne asked.

"They are spirits that was captured by a stronger spirit or a devil like Elie's previous master. I don't have enough magic, so even though I know many strong spells. I couldn't use them yet. When I was about to lose, a light appeared and made those spirits and devils disappear, that's why I managed to save Elie."

"Woah... what are you?" Julianne was amazed.

"I don't remember. I lost my memories and woke up alone in a mountain. I've been traveling and living in the mountains alone. That's how I met Elie."

"Can you show me your magic, July? I'm curious~" Julianne said.

*I saw July's magic for the first time. I was amazed and surprised by how beautiful it was. She created some little animals.*

*And everytime I look at July, she looks so mature and calm as if she was an adult. And when I got kidnapped and went missing, my brother went to tell her everything. He told me that was the first time he saw July got angry and also got scared. July promised to help, then he went back home. The very next day, July brought me home safely while... she was full of injuries.*

"THE YOUNG MISS IS BACK!" The guards and maids in the mansion quickly went to July and Julianne.

"Please... take care of her-" July fell on the ground, bleeding and exhausted.

*Everyone in the mansion even our parents couldn't believe that July saved me alone. And they didn't even saw or hear her cry when they were treating her wounds.*

"Are you July?" Julianne's father asked.

"Yes, it's nice to meet you, Duke." July said and bowed.

"So you're the mysterious girl that my kids were talking about. When my kids requested to give you a house and take care of you as their birthday gift, I was shocked because they never requested anything before. I didn't approve it and they both got mad at me. As a father, I was heartbroken because they kept ignoring me until I granted their wish. I didn't know that it was a right choice. Now that you even risked your life for my precious daughter, I even felt that giving you those things aren't enough. So, tell me if you need something, I will do my best to make it happen." The Duke said.

"Thank you, Duke. But I promised to your son, Seth, that I will help. If I'm going to ask for something in return, that isn't helping. I just did what a friend supposed to do. No need to repay me." July said, softly.

*After we heard that conversation, we felt blessed and happy that after those lonely and sad days, we met and became friends with July. She's our greatest treasure.*

*End of flashback*

"No wonder, your majesty fell in love with her." Julianne said and Taehyung started blushing.

Seth and Julianne smiled at Taehyung's reaction.

"My brother also fell for her and even helped me to give July a house and other things needed." Julianne said.

Seth also started blushing and Taehyung glares at him.

"Y-your majesty! Forgive me! Sis, are trying to kill your own brother now?!" Seth said and Julianne started laughing.

'I never met them before but I felt comfortable like we've been friends since childhood.' Taehyung thought.

"Duke, do you still have some feelings for July? Don't you dare lie in front of me. I'm not going to punish you if you do." Taehyung said.

Seth looks away and bowed.

"Forgive me, your majesty. I do love her even at this moment."

Seth and Julianne was expecting him to get angry but Taehyung smirks instead.

"I'm not that kind of Emperor who will take advantage of his power to get whatever he wants. So feel free to do whatever you want. We can't control our feelings anyway. My father, the previous emperor, also fought for my mother and even had a lot of rivals. July has been living in the mountains for years and I still found a love rival? Well, Seth, always remember that that type of guy who gives up easily." Taehyung said and looks at Seth, smirking.

Seth did the same.

"Of course, your majesty. It won't be that fun if you did give up." Seth said.

Julianne watch them fight for July.

'July, look what you did to his majesty and my brother.'