The Visit II

The sound of horses running and the hooves, clacking onto the ground could be heard but was stopped as they were halted by the royal guards.

The coach showed the pass to enter the palace, and the guards immediately opened the gates upon seeing it. A day has passed, and it was the day where Laura would go to the palace to visit the emperor.

It was a sudden visit, but Laura didn't have a choice and can't make the emperor wait any longer. The palace was high, shiny, and majestic. No other place can be compared to the palace.

Just seeing the palace from the outside, you could tell that it is really the most luxurious place in the world.

The carriage stopped in front of the big doors, and carefully Laura got out the carriage and was then greeted by the palace servants.

A maid was assigned to escort Laura around the palace, came forward and informed Laura that she was to be in her service for the meantime.

As they walked into the palace, she looked around and was in awe of how everything was structured.

It wasn't her first time in the palace, but she couldn't help but be mesmerized.

When Laura arrived in front of the throne room, a page announced her presence, and suddenly, the large door opened wide.

Right in front of Laura's eyes, she sees the emperor, pressing one hand on his cheek. Like what Laura had expected, the emperor had silver hair but had black colored eyes.

What shocked Laura the most was that he looked younger than he did the last time she saw him. Was it just a fluke?

"I greet the Emperor of the empire, may you be forever prosperous," Laura said, giving a full bow then looking straight at the emperor.

Laura nervously waited for the emperor to speak, but he didn't say anything and only looked at her silently.

The emperor gazed at her from head to toe. The emperor was observing her closely without her knowing why and felt a heavy boulder on her shoulders.

The emperor emitted a great presence, and Laura felt it. 'So this is how it means to meet the emperor.' she nervously thought. Never must you offend him.

"So you are the Laura Alvarado? The adopted daughter of Count Harrison," The emperor said, still not showing any emotions.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is an absolute honor to meet you," Laura said, holding her hands together.

The emperor laughed out loud, hitting the armrest, which startled Laura. Laura confusingly looked at the emperor, did she perhaps do something wrong?

"Don't be so stiff. I just want to personally thank you for saving me. Even if that wasn't actually me," The emperor said, stroking his beard.

Like what Laura thought, the last time she had seen the emperor, he looked older and thinner. But the real emperor that was in front of her eyes was bulkier and looked younger.

The emperor was present during the masquerade ball, but he wasn't sitting on the throne because he knew that something bad would happen. It was a good thing he watched the people from afar.

"No worries, I just did what I'm supposed to do," Laura said, lowering her head.

"I'm curious. How did you know about that?" The emperor asked. Laura flinched and noticed the emperor wanting to test her.

But she can't just say it was from the journal and decided to make another excuse and composed herself before answering.

"I was suspicious because I felt a weird aura surrounding amongst the other nobles." The room went silent, and the emperor stood up and walked towards Laura. He felt a tiny amount of mana in Laura and became curious.

It was unusual for someone to have mana unless he or she is part of the church.

Every step he took gave Laura a nervous feeling. She didn't know what the emperor would do, but if she lowered her head now, it would mean she was scared. Laura just didn't want to be weak in front of the emperor.

"I like you!" The emperor said, standing in front of Laura, putting a hand on her shoulder.

"What about you marry my son?"

"Yes? I mean, what?" Laura asked and shook her head.

"Just kidding."

"Uncle, you're still the same. Teasing people if you're interested in them."

"Erwin!" The emperor ran towards Erwin, giving him a hug.

Laura was confused as she quietly watched the emperor and Erwin talking. She did not expect the emperor to be so playful as her first impression of the emperor was a cold and stingy person.

It is not what she had expected. Erwin noticed Laura looking at him and gave her a smile.

It was a coincidence that they both met in the palace. He was desperate to see her after the incident and wondered how she was.

Erwin was in the palace to talk with the crowned prince, but when he heard Laura was seeing the emperor. He couldn't help but want to see her.

"It's been a while, Miss Laura," Erwin said, holding her hand and gave a kiss on her finger.

What a timing. The last person, Laura, had wanted to see appeared right in front of her eyes. Laura cursed her luck secretly and kept a smile on.

"It sure has been a while, Your Grace," Laura said, bowing slightly.

"So you two know each other," The emperor stated with excitement.

"I met her in an unexpected place," Erwin said, bragging. While Laura felt an annoyance in her.

"I won't keep you long, Lady Laura. But I wish to have a talk with you again," The emperor said, escorting Laura and Erwin out of the room.

"Once again, It is a pleasure to be able to meet you," Laura said, bowing once more before the door closes.

Once the door was fully closed, Laura sighed out of relief. She felt nervous the whole time before Erwin came in, disturbing their conversation.

And now, it wasn't a bad or good thing, but Laura felt awkward, being left alone with Erwin.

Erwin noticed the awkwardness between them and tried clearing the awkward atmosphere between them. He was rather happy to have time alone with Laura, especially when the memories of his past life has fully recovered.

Laura wanted to leave the palace, but it would be rude if she left the duke alone, without any companion.

"Can I have a word with you privately?" Erwin asked.

"Of course," Erwin asked Laura to follow him and brought her to a private room.

Erwin asked Laura to take a seat on the couch, and he followed. He removed his coat, placed it on the couch, and looked at Laura, who looked confused.

"I'll go straight to the point. Are you experiencing the same thing I am?" Erwin asked, furrowing his brow.

"What do you mean?" Laura asked. She knew one day Erwin would ask her, but she didn't want to get personal with Erwin.

"Don't hide things from me. I have found it suspicious ever since I noticed that you have a little bit of mana in you," Erwin said, holding his hands together and placing it on his knee.

Laura closed her eyes for a while and sighed. She was going nowhere, but she couldn't still trust Erwin. She didn't know what Erwin would do to her if she spoke the truth about her.

Because no one will believe her anyway.

It's weird telling the others they lived another life. Wouldn't that make her sound crazy?

"I'm not hiding anything from you. What about you? Aren't you hiding things from me also?" Laura asked, passing the question to Erwin.

"Of course, I have to hide things. After all, we are not close," Erwin said, smirking as he saw the face Laura made.

"That was rude, I apologize." Laura crossed her arms together as she looked away from Erwin. She didn't want to be in the same room as he is.

Every time Laura sees Erwin somehow, she feels like she will be defeated fighting with him. It felt frustrating.

"I don't have a clue in what you are talking about, and so please let me go," Laura begged.

"What if I tell you, I don't want you to go?" Erwin sheepishly smiled.

"Then, I must excuse myself."

Erwin puffed, slouching. He was disappointed and wanted to spend more time with Laura, but he knew it wouldn't be easy. It was a shame, but he had no choice but to let her go.

"I'll let you go for now. But next time you wouldn't be able to get out of my grasp," Erwin smiled, making Laura uncomfortable.

"I wonder how. That's if you could do it." Laura stood up, still crossing her arms. She knew the duke wasn't the type of person to play around. But since it pinned her interest, she decided to give it a try.

The response of Laura satisfied Erwin. He was willing to wait, no matter how long it was just to capture her. He knew Laura was hiding something, but for now, he decided to wait.

"If you don't have anything to say to, I'll take my leave, Your Grace," Laura smirked, leaving the room.

Once the door closed, Erwin laid on the couch, grinning, laughing softly. He covered his eyes with a hand and had a dazed look.

"Just how long will you make me wait?"