The Evil Empress Adores Me-Chapter 81 [VIP]

Diarmid's voice carried strength.

Although for now, he had to entrust Charlize’s protection to the Empress, one day, he wanted to protect her himself.

Sensing his true feelings, the Empress’s gaze turned slightly playful.

"So, while I’m away from the imperial palace, I ask that you take care of Charlize."

"Don’t worry. Even if the Crown Prince doesn’t make such a request, I will take care of Charl in my own way."

The Empress, replying sharply, glanced at the clock from the corner of her eye.

Then, as if dismissing him, she waved her hand.

"Oh my, I’ve taken up too much of your time. Go on now, Charl is waiting for you."

"Then, I take my leave."

Diarmid stood up.

With a slight bow, he left the room.

The Empress stared at the closed door for a long time before shifting her gaze.

Beyond the window, the garden of the Empress’s palace stretched far into the distance.

As I waited for the conversation between the Empress and Diarmid to end, I stood in the garden.

Soft moonlight poured over the red and yellow autumn leaves.

The scenery around me was peaceful, but my heart was in complete turmoil.

‘After tonight, Diarmid will be gone.’

The moment I thought that, a surge of tears welled up.

I quickly blinked them away.

No, today is the last day I’ll see Diarmid.

So, I have to send him off with a smile.

At that moment, I heard the soft rustling of grass being stepped on.

I swallowed.

A gentle voice called out to me.

"Charl."

"...Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

I forced a smile and turned to face Diarmid.

He studied me for a moment before suddenly asking,

"Why do you look like that?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"You look like you’re about to cry."

At those words, my breath faltered.

I bit my lip hard enough to draw blood.

No.

I had decided not to cry.

But the sorrow kept welling up.

Did he really have to hit the mark so precisely?

"Your Highness, you’re really mean...."

My voice cracked against my will.

Looking flustered, Diarmid hurried toward me.

"M-Mi sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you...."

"I wanted to send you off with a smile...."

The sadness surged up all at once.

"...Do you have any idea how hard I’m trying?"

Without realizing it, my voice rose.

"Your Highness, do you truly feel nothing about this?"

Am I the only one hurting like this?

Diarmid, do you really not feel anything?

Antes is such a rough and dangerous place.

The Emperor will surely do everything in his power to prevent Diarmid from ever returning to the imperial palace.

Once he leaves, who knows when he’ll come back...?

I completely forgot that I was speaking to the Crown Prince and let my emotions spill out.

"There’s no guarantee that we’ll ever meet again!"

"Why wouldn’t we?"

Then, Diarmid shot back in a sharp tone.

S-startled, I blinked.

"I told you I would come back, didn’t I?"

"But..."

"You’re not saying you don’t believe me, are you?"

...It’s not that.

Diarmid’s expression became complicated.

After a brief pause, he spoke resolutely.

"Well, I suppose I can’t blame you for thinking that way."

"Huh?"

"I don’t have enough power yet, so it’s difficult for me to protect you completely...."

Why... why was he suddenly blaming himself?

I was taken aback.

Diarmid’s voice turned firm.

"But when I return... things will be different."

"What do you mean?"

"I will become someone you can trust and rely on, no matter what."

I looked up at Diarmid in a daze.

Three years of difference weren’t just for show—he was already a little taller than me.

It was strange.

To me, Diarmid had always been just a little boy.

‘But right now... he feels a little like an older brother.’

The moment that thought crossed my mind, my face burned hot.

What was I thinking just now?

I was being ridiculous!

"T-This is a gift."

To shake off unnecessary thoughts, I handed Diarmid a small gift box.

Diarmid blinked in surprise.

"What’s this?"

"Open it and see."

I shrugged.

Diarmid, looking puzzled, untied the ribbon wrapped around the box.

And then...

"It’s a handkerchief?"

Diarmid looked down at the handkerchief inside the box.

At one corner of the fabric, a lilac flower was embroidered in soft lavender thread.

"You’re going on a long journey. I couldn’t just send you off without a single gift, could I?"

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"...Charl."

"Every time you use that handkerchief, you have to think of me every single day. Got it?"

I forced a cheerful smile.

Diarmid stared at the handkerchief for a long time.

Then, in a voice full of emotion, he said...

"...Did you embroider this bunch of grapes yourself?"

"They’re not grapes! Anyone can see they’re lilacs!"

I snapped, unable to hold back my irritation.

Seriously, how could he mistake them for grapes? They were clearly lilacs!

Diarmid, looking sheepish, hesitated before asking again.

"...They’re lilacs? These?"

"Of course, they’re lilacs! Your Highness, do you need glasses?!"

I was so exasperated that even my tears vanished.

But Diarmid, now nodding in agreement, murmured,

"Well, I suppose it makes sense... since you embroidered them."

What the—?!

Fuming, I stretched out my hand toward him.

"Ugh, honestly. Then just give it back!"

Immediately, Diarmid clutched the handkerchief to his chest.

"No way. It’s mine."

His lips curled up into a bright, smug grin.

"You can’t take back a gift once you’ve given it."

Then just accept it properly in the first place!

I pouted slightly.

Diarmid flashed a playful smile.

"I’ll use it well. Thank you."

"After insulting it so much, now you say that...."

"You know what, Charl?"

Just as I was about to retort, Diarmid spoke again.

I froze mid-sentence.

Diarmid gently took my hand.

...What, what is he doing?

In that moment, all traces of the teasing atmosphere disappeared.

A warm, tender air surrounded us.

I blinked blankly.

"Because you stayed by my side... for the first time, I found life enjoyable."

"...Huh?"

"It’s true. Ever since I met you, every night when I go to bed, I look forward to ‘tomorrow.’"

Diarmid whispered softly.

"Because only then can I see you again."

W-What is he saying?!

My face heated up in an instant.

I bit down hard on my lip.

At the same time, Diarmid took a step closer.

"So, I want to leave behind a promise for ‘tomorrow’ this time too."

"...A promise for ‘tomorrow’?"

"Yes."

Diarmid gave a small nod and reached out.

"I never liked it when people called me ‘Diarmid-nim’..."

Gently, he ran his fingers through my loosely tied silver hair.

Between his long, firm fingers, my hair slipped down, making a soft rustling sound.

"But for some reason... I want you to call my name."

...Huh?

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My eyes widened.

Diarmid, holding the ends of my hair, lightly pressed a kiss to them.

W-What?

What was happening?

With his lips still touching my hair, Diarmid slowly raised his gaze to meet mine.

A voice sweeter than honey whispered,

"So... next time we meet."

"Y-Your Highness?"

"Don’t call me Crown Prince. Call me Diarmid."

As I slowly lifted my head, Diarmid was staring straight at me.

Blink.

His dark blue eyelashes fluttered gently.

Golden-tinged crimson eyes revealed themselves.

Like the sun rising through the deepest darkness of dawn—radiant and noble.

And in those eyes, I was the only one reflected.

"Can you promise me that?"

For a moment, I was speechless.

Normally, I would have stepped back, saying, How could I call the Crown Prince by his name?

But right now, I couldn’t do that.

My mind was completely blank, and no words came to me.

My heart pounded so loudly that I worried he could hear it.

...But why was it beating so fast?

I couldn’t hide my confusion.

"...Y-Yes, I promise."

Yet my lips had already moved on their own.

After hesitating briefly, I spoke again.

"Then, Your Highness, please promise me one thing as well."

"What is it?"

"It’s okay if you take your time. I’m... fairly good ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) at waiting."

I gathered my resolve and continued.

"But... not a single injury. You must return safe and sound."

Diarmid’s face twisted slightly as he listened.

At the same time, I made my point clear.

"You have to come back with a smile."

In that instant, Diarmid pulled my hand toward him.