Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 109 - 104: Relationship (2)

Chapter 109: Chapter 104: Relationship (2)

Damian leaned over Gabriel’s desk, his hands braced against the polished surface, looming over him. The subtle shift in movement brought him close enough that Gabriel caught the scent beneath the expensive cologne he wore—something warmer, distinctly him, laced with traces of leather and steel. It was the scent of someone who had spent hours in the training grounds before donning the pristine attire of an emperor. His breath was steady despite the exhaustion lining his face. "I haven’t selected a new Minister of Magic yet. I intended to do it after the Civil Examination. "Can you handle this until then?"

Gabriel cast a glance at him before focusing on the flickering display in front of him. "The problem is not with the feasibility study," he admits. "That part is sound. It’s the next stage of the project. If we keep going without knowing who is pulling the strings, it could be dangerous."

Damian hummed, his expression unreadable. "I had a hunch that might be the case. But tell me, Gabriel, if you had the authority, what would you do? Cancel the project entirely?"

Gabriel sighed, knowing exactly what that meant. He could hardly refuse. "I’ll manage it. But you and I both know that this will not go unnoticed. He shifted slightly, acutely aware of Damian’s presence, the warmth of his body just over his shoulder. The faint scent of leather and steel lingered, and Gabriel could feel the heat rising up his neck, his pulse betraying him. "I am a candidate for the Empress position and an important member of this project. They will use that to question its legitimacy."

Damian’s expression darkened slightly. "They might try, but the project does not depend solely on you. George Claymore’s financial contributions are only part of the story; there is more going on here than they realize."

Gabriel exhaled, rubbing his temples. "That won’t stop them from trying. You know how this works. The moment they see an opportunity to undermine your authority, they’ll take it." He gave Damian a quick glance before shifting in his seat to create some space between them. But Damian didn’t move, remaining just as close, as if fully aware of Gabriel’s attempt to create space. "And using me as leverage? It’s practically gift-wrapped for them."

His voice took on a bitter edge. "Lucius already asked me to give up my work with Claymore. He wants me to play the von Jaunez political game instead."

Damian nodded before turning his full attention to Gabriel, his hand lingering on Gabriel’s shoulder, the warmth of his proximity palpable. He leaned in just slightly more, purposefully invading Gabriel’s space. A knowing smirk played on his lips as he watched Gabriel tense. "You’re awfully focused on your work, Gabriel. Avoiding something?" he mused, his tone teasing, deliberately low.

Gabriel stiffened, heat crawling up his neck. The scent of Damian ingered, far too close, pressing against his senses. He clenched his jaw, willing himself not to react. Damian was doing this on purpose.

"Do you always invade people’s personal space like this?" Gabriel muttered, his voice straining as he shifted slightly, but there was no place to go. Damian was still there, still close enough that the warmth of his presence felt almost tangible.

Damian hummed, as if considering the question, before smirking. "Only when it makes you squirm."

Gabriel exhaled sharply through his nose, refusing to take the bait. Instead, he refocused his attention on the screen, tapping his fingers against it to force himself to concentrate. "I’m not indulging you, Damian. Some of us actually have work to do."

Damian smirked, clearly amused, but didn’t move away. If anything, he seemed to enjoy his lingering while Gabriel pretended to ignore him. "Suit yourself," he murmured, his voice laced with amusement. "But I do enjoy watching you pretend I’m not here."

Gabriel exhaled slowly, forcing himself to concentrate on the task at hand. It was easier said than done, with Damian still looming behind him, clearly enjoying his discomfort. But he refused to give the Emperor the satisfaction of reacting. Instead, he squared his shoulders and tapped the screen, resuming his analysis with determination that bordered on stubbornness.

Damian paused for a moment before speaking again, his tone shifting just enough to indicate that he was done playing for the time being. "Have you spoken to your family about what happened?"

Gabriel’s fingers drummed against the desk. He kept his gaze fixed on the surface, refusing to meet Damian’s eyes. "No."

Damian raised an eyebrow. "No? Just like that?"

Gabriel shrugged, his eyes still fixed on the screen. "What’s there to say? I’d rather deal with one problem at a time."

Damian tilted his head slightly. "And what happens when those problems pile up? Ignoring them won’t make them disappear."

Gabriel let out a short breath, shaking his head. "They’ll still be there tomorrow."

Damian’s lips curved into a smirk. "Ah, avoiding responsibility. I see."

Gabriel shot him a dry look. "You’re one to talk."

Damian laughed. "I’m the Emperor. Delegation is a skill. But I am curious, Gabriel, how long you intend to run from this?

Gabriel snorted, shaking his head. "Right. Convenient." He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "The family can wait until we’re done with the ball. Then maybe I’ll talk to them."

Damian observed him for a moment before a slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Ah, I see now. You’re making them wait on purpose. Playing their own game against them."

Gabriel didn’t deny it, his expression neutral. "I wouldn’t call it that."

Damian let out a quiet chuckle. "But I would. And I have to admit, I quite enjoy watching it."

The conversation ended there, but the night was far from over. By the time the fifth day of the ball arrived, Gabriel found himself standing once again in the opulent grand hall, the chandeliers above casting golden light across the sea of finely dressed nobles. Damian stood beside him, ever composed, ever watchful. The evening had only begun.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.