YOU HAVE TO STAY WITH ME

- DEVOURAH -

When I said I'd interrupt the story flow, I didn't mean to go overboard. It was entirely coincidental that I panicked and ended up shouting in front of the crowd.

 

"I wonder what Her Majesty wants from me." I'm not even friends with the Empress, and yet I was summoned unexpectedly. Is it due to the rumor? The earth certainly has ears for everything. The news spreads far too quickly, similar to a virus.

 

"The tea is getting cold, please drink it." I'm not even sure if this is safe. "Please accept my apologies, Your Majesty. But I'm also preoccupied with my own affairs. I'd like to talk about the subject with you so that I could return home immediately. If this is about the rumor, I bring no harm and I simply like to be with Serina." After all, no one will make more sacrifices than I will.

 

"Who are you?" However, a sudden question causes my eyes to widen. What exactly does she mean when she says, 'Who am I?'

 

"I'm Devourah Le Fleur, Your Majesty. Perhaps you're inviting the wrong person." Why is she asking?

 

"And who are you courting?"

 

"Serina Ainsworth. Her Majesty's maid." She looks at me as if I'm suspicious. I really hate those stares, but I have to endure them if I want to be trustworthy. "You're a noble. How will you handle the pressure?" It wasn't my intention to propose in front of everyone. But I can't let this opportunity pass by.

 

"I'm ready to kill them if they ever dare to make fun of my name." After all, they don't have the right to comment unless they have made contributions to my life. " Now, I'm starting to sound like Helvetica.

 

"But you were a candidate back then. Aren't you afraid of what people might say to you?" For Pete's sake, I came from the 21st century and my parents' words are worse than any rumors.

 

"Your Majesty, please don't be concerned about me and be concerned about yourself." In the first place, I planned to marry the villainess, but she dejected me. Moreover, I know my worth and I can't just stick to one person who I didn't really love.

 

"Where did you meet?" She asks as she drinks her tea. It was literally a coincidence. "I decided to take a stroll outside of the palace because I've been sulking myself in the manor these past few months and I wanted to breathe fresh air, at least. But I didn't think that I would meet Her Majesty's maid. She was wearing such different attire that I couldn't even recognize her. I was captivated by her beauty and decided to follow her." Of course, it was a fabrication. I'm pretty sure I know where she'll end up. It's just a coincidence that we happened to be in the same place at the same time.

 

I do not intend to meet her, but the Goddess seems to bestow her blessings upon me. 

 

"That's it? Is it love at first sight? Second sight? Third sight? Why did you abruptly—"I had to cut her off. "Your Highness should trust in me. I bear no harm to the Empire. I'm just fond of Serina. That is all there is to it." I can't let her spout another word or I might slip.

 

"I've already discussed the situation with the Emperor. And if Serina thinks of you as a bother, Helvetica will jump right in." I stand up as I sigh. "Even if that maid rejected me a million of times, I can't give up." Alternatively, everything will flow as it did before. I may not perish, but Helvetica certainly will.

 

"I would like to respect your decision and hope you will come often to the palace, Lady Devourah. I will make sure to keep you in company, if that happens." Right now, I'm picturing the Grand Duke's daughter's personality as her. But it can't be, isn't it?

 

"Then, if I have the opportunity, I will pay you a visit." Not saying any extra comments, I decided to leave the palace as I felt suffocated inside. It feels like a million thorns are ready to crush me at any moment.

 

I might not be serious for now, but only the future can tell what will happen next. I'm sure it's already made its way around the city. This might also be a good chance to find out more about the story.

 

I mean, I'm not sure why the other Kingdom knows about Helvetica's departure because I haven't finished the novel, but I'm sure something has happened.

 

"Oh, are you going?" Their position is really unpleasing to my eyes. "There's no reason for me to stay if it means to see you being romantic with your partner." I chuckled as Lithia was clinging to Vien's arms. Now, I'm wondering. Did Vien die at the end of the story?

 

"I'm not clinging. She's just escorting me." I step into the carriage as I laugh. "Isn't it the same thing?" I bid my farewell as Lithia drew her arms back while coughing.

 

"Take me to the usual." She might not be there, but I have 24 hours to spare. I can wait for her until it gets dark. I don't even know what I'm even doing. Perhaps I just wanted to waste my time on frivolous things. It took me hours before I could get off the carriage. I bought some flowers on our way. After all, flowers are romantic. 

 

Not for everyone, but for the majority, that is. I'm not even interested in women... so why am I courting someone?

 

"You sure have a lot of money in your hands, Lady Devourah." I chuckled as I gave her the flower. "For you, I can spend them all." I read this line in almost every novel I've ever read. I never imagined it would come in handy one day.

 

"I'll be pleased if you begin to distance yourself from me, Lady Devourah. After all, you have a reputation to uphold." Isn't she supposed to blush from head to toe? That's how she was created. She used to smile in front of Helvetica.

 

"I'll be happy if you start liking me instead." But I was born in the 21st century and giving-up is not in my vocabulary.

 

"I only like Her Majesty." 

 

"Even if she already has a fiancé?" She came to a halt as she looked down, clenching her fist. "You shouldn't stick with someone who can't even see your worth, Serina. Even if you reject me a million times, I won't give up on you." For the sake of everyone, you have to stay with me.