Julian didn't know which was worse. Doing that with the Duke the previous night and being a subject of his affection, or becoming the object of hate to the Emperor.
It was probably the latter.
Nothing good could ever come from being the object of hate to the ruler of their Empire.
Julian didn't even have time to think of those embarrassing thoughts that kept him beating his face during his bath. That was how critical the situation was.
Lucius, being in the midst of this tension, tried not to mind it and ate his carrots diligently. But the moment he noticed his tutor could not eat, simply clenching his fists on his thigh and looking down worriedly, he felt he had to do something.
So, he decided to give up his carrots, putting them in Julian's plate.
This caught Julian's attention, and he looked at the little cute thing trying to cheer him up with a carrot.
He laughed lightly and brushed his hair, feeling his intentions.
