ㅤChapter 37
ㅤ”Your Highness! Are you alright!?”
ㅤ
ㅤImmediately after Ruby returned to the carriage, Theodore caught up.
ㅤSeeing her disheveled hair, Ruby vaguely thought in the corner of her mind that he must have rushed over.
ㅤ
ㅤ”I apologize for my outburst. I was just a little shaken, but I’m fine now.”
ㅤ
ㅤMichael and Whitey were snuggling up to Ruby. Stroking their bodies, Ruby managed a smile.
ㅤTheodore bent his large frame and entered the carriage, sitting down next to her.
ㅤ
ㅤ”I understood the situation from the villagers’ reactions. They are surprised that you are a 『Poison User』, aren’t they?”
ㅤ”Yes. I wish I could have explained it better, but my mind went blank……”
ㅤ
ㅤRuby’s troubled smile squeezed Theodore’s heart. He grabbed her shoulders as she stared forlornly at the carriage floor and forcibly turned her to face him.
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ㅤ”You’ve done nothing wrong. You have a kind heart that serves the people, and I know your Poison User ability is not meant to harm but to help. Please, don’t make that face.”
ㅤ”Your Majesty……”
ㅤ
ㅤTheodore, who usually avoids making eye contact, was looking directly at Ruby.
ㅤShe gasped at his gaze that seemed to pierce through her heart.
ㅤ
ㅤ”These are people who fight the sea every day in this land. Please forgive their rudeness born from ignorance. If they witness your true power, I’m sure the misunderstanding will be cleared.”
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ㅤThe hand that was supposed to be on Ruby’s shoulder was now enveloping both of her hands.
ㅤThe warmth transmitted from his fingertips gradually melted Ruby’s tense heart.
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ㅤ”……Thank you. Your Majesty’s encouragement has given me strength.”
ㅤ
ㅤSeeing her genuine, unfeigned expression, Theodore felt a little relieved. Then, realizing he was holding both of her hands, he hurriedly released them, stammering, “E-Excuse me.”
ㅤHis flustered behavior made Ruby burst into laughter.
ㅤ
ㅤ”Your Majesty’s hands were warm and comforting. Are you going to leave them already?”
ㅤ”W-What are you talking about?”
ㅤ”Fufu. I like that side of you, Your Majesty.”
ㅤ
ㅤTheodore, who was about to flee the carriage, stopped at Ruby’s words.
ㅤ
ㅤ”–Eh?”
ㅤ”–Eh?”
ㅤ
ㅤRuby’s question mark, devoid of any deep thought, answered Theodore’s question mark as he turned around with a bright red face.
ㅤRuby blinked in puzzlement at the stiffly frozen Theodore. As an awkward silence flowed between them, the Mayor of South ・Harbor came running.
ㅤ
ㅤ”You were here! I apologize, the villagers caused quite a commotion!”
ㅤ”Ah, yes. It’s not a problem.”
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ㅤTheodore quickly regained his composure and switched back to Emperor mode.
ㅤ
ㅤ”I’m the one who should apologize. I appeared so suddenly.”
ㅤ
ㅤRuby also got out of the carriage. She had completely regained her composure.
ㅤSeeing her face, the Mayor bowed his head, saying, “I apologize to Your Imperial Highness.”
ㅤ
ㅤ”I have received reports that some of the villagers behaved very rudely. As it is my responsibility as Mayor, please punish me.”
ㅤ”No, it’s perfectly fine. I don’t think the villagers are at fault at all. Please raise your head.”
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ㅤThe Mayor continued to keep his head bowed. He was a lanky man in his early thirties, and Ruby felt a pang of sympathy, thinking he must have been through a lot.
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ㅤ”It’s only natural to be surprised when you only hear the term 『Poison User』. So, if you’ll allow me, could I use this power for the sake of South ・Harbor? I’ve heard that the continuous storms have reduced the fishing hauls, and the situation is dire. I’d like to be of help, even if it’s just a little.”
ㅤ”For this town?”
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ㅤThe Mayor raised his head.
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ㅤ”Yes. Well…… for example, if there is someone bedridden due to a poison-related illness, I think I can treat them.”
ㅤ
ㅤJust as she had helped Karin’s mother in Cyril who was suffering from poison, she should be able to detoxify any poison-related illness.
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ㅤ”I agree. Let’s show the villagers as well. That way, they will understand that the Empress’s ability brings happiness to our country.”
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ㅤTheodore added.
ㅤOf course, no one could object to the Emperor and Empress’s proposal, and it was an unparalleled offer for South ・Harbor. Thus, it was decided that they would visit the municipal hospital the next day.