The Concubine Does Not Love the Emperor - Chapter 16

Margaret gazed up at Ray. In his violet eyes, a lingering heat that hadn’t been fully subdued was still flickering. The man with hair as golden as a field of wheat had no corner that wasn’t adorned lavishly. His long and lush eyelashes quivered slightly, and his amethyst-colored irises sparkled like jewels embedded in them. From his deep, cool, elongated eyes to the high bridge of his nose, there was nothing unimpressive about him. He resembled a work of art meticulously crafted by a skilled sculptor.

As their eyes met, he let out a soft chuckle. Seeing him smile again, it seemed his emotions had calmed to some extent. The air of a charging beast had vanished, concealed. The white fabric that had clung to her seductively, soaked in sweat, had now dried and regained its opacity.

An angelic appearance paired with a beastly physique. What an unusual combination. Margaret had never before appraised someone’s looks and figure. But Ray was an exception. He was perfectly handsome and beautiful, regardless of gender. So, anyone who found themselves facing him would likely have reacted with that same wild kiss they shared a moment ago. Even if another man had been in that spot, when faced with Ray’s appearance…

“Wanna go see something interesting? I actually had some business in this direction.”

Ray’s voice brought Margaret back to reality. She gave herself a mental pat on the back for regaining her composure, then followed Ray. While it would be fine to part ways here, her curiosity was unexpectedly drawn to his personal matters.

Ray walked leisurely, taking slow steps. Even if the soldiers trailing them were no longer visible, he remained unfazed. He strolled through the chaotic marketplace with a lightness in his step. It was as if he were a sleek jaguar or a leopard. His stride was something Margaret could never hope to mimic. She was too accustomed to military-style marching.

*****

The place Ray led Margaret to was a blacksmith’s forge. The people pounding on anvils, each absorbed in their work, recognized Ray and respectfully lowered their heads. Margaret was taken aback. Usually, women weren’t allowed in a blacksmith’s workshop. It was a rough space meant strictly for men. Just like in the Boroman Empire, it seemed that some of the workers, who were not any friendlier, cast sidelong glances at Margaret. But Ray… Ray’s mere presence silenced them.

Is he more remarkable than I thought?

She gracefully extended her hand forward, appearing as demure as possible. She cautiously scanned the people around her, emanating an air of curiosity. All the workers in the forge, particularly the higher-ups, were bowing to Ray. Ray was well-acquainted with the workings of the forge, and he summoned someone over to give them a few instructions.

As he was about to call for Margaret, a man rushed over. Ray’s expression grew considerably more serious as he listened to the man’s words. Unsmiling, Ray emitted aura entirely different from anyone else’s—a sense of danger. When he glared at the man, the man’s shoulders visibly slumped.

His gaze was brutal, and the intimidating aura he exuded filled the forge. Margaret suddenly recalled the energy she had felt in front of the temple. Somehow, the atmosphere emanating from him was reminiscent of that time.

“Sorry, I’ll clear the space for a moment. Can you wait a bit?”

However, Ray’s plea for understanding had a remarkably kind and affectionate expression. Margaret nodded, and as he turned away with a disappointed pout, he crossed to the other side. Simultaneously, the overpowering presence that had filled the space disappeared.

Margaret tilted her head slightly to observe Ray. Behind him, the tips of a cannon became visible.

“Is Ray an engineer?”

She wondered if he might have taken on repair commissions at the temple. Suddenly, she caught sight of several sheets of paper stacked on the table. She discreetly glanced toward the other side. The conversation was growing lengthy. She cautiously approached the table. The unfolded papers were blueprints.

She had no knowledge of weapon design blueprints. Yet, she could easily guess they were modern cannon blueprints even by merely looking at the neatly drawn, simple diagrams. Alongside them were various calculations in the Borgman language. Margaret had also learned mathematics and was able to decipher the calculations without much difficulty.

“A siege cannon blueprint, perhaps. The idea of attaching wheels for easier mobility is good, but with this weight, it would require at least four horses to pull. It wouldn’t be a problem on flat terrain, but it might not be favorable in certain terrains. The section underneath seems to be designed for lightness. It could be moved quickly and easily. However, as it’s reduced in size, it might not be suitable for siege purposes.”

As Margaret was busily reading through the blueprints, she felt a solid presence over her shoulder.

“Finding it interesting?”

A shiver ran down her spine as she sensed a presence behind her. Margaret turned her head slowly, and as she did, she caught a subtle change in Ray’s expression. The corners of his lips lifted slightly while he was reading the blueprints with a nuanced expression. However, his sharp violet eyes were scrutinizing Margaret.

“They were spread out, so I looked out of curiosity. I can’t make heads or tails of it except for the cannon illustration,” Margaret said casually, and Ray’s eyes narrowed before smoothly softening.

“Is that so? Alright then.”

However, the moment Margaret mentioned the word “cannon” while describing the already dissected blueprint, Ray instantly caught onto the fact that she could read the blueprints. And the contradiction of her first encounter being labeled as a foreigner, along with the promise to discuss their family names later, also crossed his mind.

Ah, she might have cursed in a foreign language. Ray scratched the back of his head. Such things weren’t much of a problem for him.

“I have something I want to give you.”

Ray pulled out a delicately crafted gold ring from his pocket and handed it to her.

“It’s engraved with your name in Boroman, Margaret.”

And something for Suleiman. Without mentioning the latter part, Ray held Margaret’s hand as he swallowed the words and placed the ring on her ring finger.

“Why are you giving me this?”

Before she could withdraw her hand, Ray swiftly slipped the ring onto her ring finger. It was a token.

“Because you helped me.”

“It was just a favor.”

“This is just a favor too.”

Ray lightly placed his hand on Margaret’s waist and turned her around, walking in the opposite direction. He wanted to keep the design blueprint as far away from her as possible. It wasn’t classified information. The blueprint on top was likely ruined anyway. But still, the thought of it being leaked was troublesome.

Margaret tugged at the ring that Ray had put on for her, attempting to take it off. However, the ring, which had smoothly slid on earlier, now got caught on her knuckle joint. She cursed her own thick finger joints under her breath.

“One gold coin for one life. Have you heard that saying before?”

As Margaret struggled to remove the ring, she paused as she heard Ray’s words.

“Gold is as useful as life at any time. So, carry it with you,” Ray said.

A bitter smile tugged at the corner of Margaret’s lips. She couldn’t help but think that the southern swordmaster might actually be from the Borman Empire. Her mood sank considerably.

“Where do you live? Should I call a carriage for you?”

Having shown her something interesting, Ray led Margaret out of the forge. Margaret also didn’t inquire about the matter, which he seemed to have forgotten. Despite the hot weather of early summer, the breeze felt refreshing as they exited the still-heated forge.

“I can manage from here to the square by myself.”

Ray nodded in response to Margaret’s words.

“Is that so? Well, then, shall we walk a bit?”

They traversed through the intricate marketplace. Ray seemed to know shortcuts, and they reached the square sooner than expected. Seeing the familiar scenery, Margaret felt her tension ease.

“From here, I can go on my own.”

“Are you not going to tell me your family name?”

“You’re one to talk. I don’t know anything about you except your name, Ray.”

Ray chuckled and rubbed his forehead. This woman was undoubtedly a foreigner. Or perhaps a spy. Something had been off from the beginning. A woman, well-dressed, walking around alone. Skilled in combat as well. He had initially thought she was just unusual. But if someone wanted to use a woman as a spy, one thing was certain: her mind was exceptional. In the Borman Empire, women were merely ornaments, like flowers in a vase. A living, breathing human being who moved and lived so vividly was something different.

“I really like you.”

Looking at the woman who seemed to be giving him a puzzled look, a surge of desire welled up in Ray. He wanted to remove the veil that covered her beautiful face and kiss her again. He wanted to deny her anything to drink except the breath he shared. He imagined the woman writhing in his arms. Something below his waist tightened.

He hadn’t expected that curiosity would take such an intense form as desire. Whether she was a foreigner or a spy, it didn’t matter. It was undoubtedly true.

“And I must possess what I like.”

Ray’s fingers ruffled through Margaret’s hair, then lightly gripped her long, slender neck. Sensing the strange movement, she swiftly swatted his hand away. They were in the heart of the square, and passersby were stealing glances at the two who were facing each other.

“Learn how to endure,” Margaret said, and Ray laughed again. His laughter was light, yet somehow it felt uncomfortable. She couldn’t find any signs of immaturity in Ray anymore. Even while he was laughing, she couldn’t quite tell why his presence exuded such an overwhelming aura that sent shivers down her spine.

Margaret tensed up. Even impulsive attractions like a kiss were possible when he was just an ordinary commoner. But if he happened to be a noble or of a similar status, even entanglement could lead to troublesome consequences.

“The harem is a forbidden zone for commoners, but sometimes the emperor bestows concubines on the nobles.”

“Thank you for bringing me. I’ll leave now.”

Ray responded without saying anything. Or was that a response? The corners of his lips gently curled upward, yet his gaze was sharp. Margaret hesitated, then slowly backed away before turning around and hurrying off.

“Quick on the uptake,” Ray muttered to himself as he watched Margaret disappear. His suspicion about her was turning into conviction.

“Altar.”

Without warning, Altar appeared at Ray’s side, kneeling on one knee and waiting for orders.

“Follow her. Find out where she lives.”

“Yes.”

Despite having missed her once, Altar didn’t flinch. Perhaps it was due to his slightly relaxed attitude, knowing it was an action he took on his own. Altar had never failed in a task given to him by the Emperor. And pursuing a woman was among the easiest tasks he had ever undertaken.