“...Did you just say marriage, Your Majesty?”
When the Empress asked again, doubting her ears, Emperor Daimon nodded.
“Yes. In a few days, Lady Leopold and the Fourth Prince will arrive in the capital. Please make arrangements for their marriage immediately.”
She thought she had misheard, but she didn't mishear.
“I’ve already prepared most of it, so you just have to go ahead and do it.”
The Empress's hands, hidden inside sleeves adorned with lace and jewels, trembled.
The same goes for eyelashes sprinkled with finely ground pearl powder.
“I feel bad that I didn’t send invitations to the nobles in advance, but since it’s the New Year, most of them have come up to the capital anyway...”
“...This is really too much.”
Even though she knew that Daimon hated anyone who interrupted him, she couldn't help but do it out of resentment.
The Empress looked straight into the eyes of Daimon, who was looking at her with annoyance and glared.
“Chernosser is dead. Not from his own lifespan, but from being murdered by the knights who were sent to protect him.”
Even though Chernosser was a bundle of troublemakers and didn't know how to do anything, from the Empress's perspective, he was her precious son whom she had conceived for ten months.
The Empress's heart was torn to pieces when her son was murdered.
After hearing the news, she couldn't even drink a sip of water for a while.
But before Daimon could even hold Chernosser's funeral, she was furious when she heard the discussion about Adele and Perdes' marriage.
“Your Majesty is Chernosser’s father. How could you do such a thing!”
“I am the father of the Second Prince, but I am also the father of the Fourth Prince. That is why I am planning to attend his son’s wedding.”
"Your Majesty!"
“If the Empress doesn’t want to do it, I will tell the First Empress to prepare.”
“...!”
It was the Empress's authority to manage major and minor imperial affairs, such as weddings.
But when he said he would proceed with the wedding while giving that authority to the First Empress, the Empress was so shocked and dumbfounded that her bloodshot eyes widened.
Daimon clicked his tongue once as if he found the empress annoying and quickly walked out.
The Empress left alone, collapsed on the floor and bit her lips so hard that they bled.
“..
I will definitely find out.”
Suddenly, the sound of fingernails scraping against the marble floor echoed eerily.
“I will definitely, definitely reveal that dark secret.”
I had to adjust my schedule to go up to the capital tomorrow, so I called Harnes and talked to him, and I discovered a problem.
The problem was that I couldn't go on the hot spring trip I promised Perdes.
It would have been possible to return to the territory as soon as I reported to the Emperor, but it was questionable whether the Emperor would send me right away.
There was also work to do in the capital.
To carry out all the plans, we had to stay in the capital for at least a week.
What should I do?
I tapped the desk with the tip of my pen and pondered over the matter, but no matter how much I thought about it, I came to only one conclusion.
I should apologize to Perdes and tell him to go next time.
It was awkward to say this, as I had repeatedly vowed not to break my promise under the pretext of being busy, but I had no choice.
My plan could be postponed for a few days, but I couldn't go if the Emperor called me, so I quietly told Perdes during dinner that I probably wouldn't be able to go to the hot springs.
“...”
Then Perdes' expression hardened noticeably.
The hand holding the knife tightened its grip.
"Sorry."
It wasn't because of him that I broke my promise, but I apologized again and again because I felt sorry.
“I never thought the Emperor would call me so suddenly.”
“...I can’t help it.”
Perdes cut into the medium-rare steak with a deep sigh.
“The Emperor has called you, so you must go. Yes. You must go.”
...You’re not slicing the steak, you’re chopping it.
That meant Perdes was disappointed, so I added some words to comfort him.
“Let’s definitely go together next time.”
"When?"
“Well, well, let’s go together for my next birthday.”
I said whatever came to mind without any reason, and Perdes' hand, which was chopping the steak, stopped.
Eyes filled with incomprehensible emotions met my gaze.
“...Next Young Lady’s birthday?”
“Isn’t it too long to wait until next year? Then, should I go to the capital and come back?”
Wait a minute. Will we have time then?
It depends on how quickly they 'figure it out', so there's no way to know right now.
I was going to suggest another day because I thought Perdes would be very disappointed if I made a promise and then said no, but Perdes spoke first.
“No. Let’s go next time for Young Lady’s birthday.”
“Is that okay with me having to wait until next year?”
"Yes."
Perdes continued, stirring the meat he had chopped with his fork.
“The hot spring trip is YoungLady’s birthday present, so it would be most meaningful if we went on your birthday. So let’s go on your next birthday.”
By the way, it was a present I received for my birthday this year.
I wondered what the point of using it on my next birthday would be, but I felt bad about breaking my promise, so I said I would do it without complaining.
The next day.
As planned, I headed to the capital with the imperial knights.
Fortunately, the train was on time, so I was able to board the train right away without having to rely on Count Martina.
Perdes and I rode in first class, while Sir Aldor, Sir Eren, and the royal knights who followed us as escorts rode in second class.
I wanted to give the two people first-class seats, but there were no seats available because I had to rush to get tickets.
Even the seat I'm sitting in now was one I had to pay extra for with difficulty.
“But Young Lady.”
Perdes, sitting across from me, pointed to the bag next to his chair with his chin and asked.
“What’s that? Isn’t that a suitcase?”
"That's right."
“But why didn’t you put it in the luggage compartment and just take it with you?”
“It contains important items, so if I lose it, it would be a big problem, so that’s why.”
“Important stuff? What’s inside?”
I couldn't tell you yet, so I just laughed silently.
Then Perdes crossed his arms and tilted his head.
“I always think about this, but Young Lady....”
“I have a lot of secrets?”
Perdes closed his mouth, wondering if his answer was correct.
I said with a faint smile and a hint of joking.
“It has been said since ancient times that women need to have a few secrets to be mysterious and attractive.”
“...But.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
“No, nothing.”
As he turned his head, Perdes' earlobe was briefly revealed and for some reason, it was slightly red.
The train journey was very smooth.
While enjoying the peace and leisure that was once awaited, I arrived at the capital before I knew it.
As I picked up the bag that I had kept within sight of, Perdes held out his hand.
“Give it to me. I’ll carry it.”
“It’s okay. It’s not that heavy, so I’ll carry it.”
Sir Aldor and Sir Aaron, who came after me, also tried to help me carry my luggage, just like Perdes, but I refused them all.
It wasn't that it wasn't heavy.
To be honest, it was so heavy that my hands were shaking a little, but I held it until the end so that I wouldn't be in trouble if I handed it over and they noticed what was inside.
As I was getting off the train, someone shouted at me and hugged me.
“Come in, darling!”
It was Leo.
At his appearance, Sir Perdes and Sir Aldor frowned with obvious displeasure, while Sir Aaron's eyes widened in surprise.
I was surprised too.
It wasn't that Leo called me darling and hugged me, it was that I was surprised that he was there.
I had sent a letter to Leo asking for his help with this plan, thinking it would be a lot easier, but I had no idea that he would arrive in the capital so quickly, and even before me.
“How did you get here before me?”
When I asked curiously, Leo answered naturally.
“Well, I came quickly because I missed you, Darling.”
“Don’t say anything weird.”
“It’s true. I really wanted to see you, Darling, so I came quickly.”
Anyway, I'm telling you, he's a very clever person.
This may make him look like a bad guy, but Leo's ability and charm lie in the fact that he doesn't look like that at all.
“You came at a good time. Please listen to this.”
It was okay for Leo to not reveal the contents of the bag to anyone else.
Because he was the one who helped me with my plans.
“...!”
When I handed the bag over to Leo, Sir Perdes and Aldor looked at me with utterly bewildered eyes.
“Why are you all like that?”
When I asked curiously, Perdes asked back in a choked voice.
“Why are you handing the bag over to that guy?”
“Well, darling, you trust me.”
It was Leo who answered.
He smiled and linked arms with me.
“So isn’t it about trusting and leaving it to me?”
“...”
At the obvious teasing remark, Perdes' face hardened like a stone.
Sir Aldor's expression wasn't much different.
Leo, on the other hand, giggled as if he found this situation very amusing.
“Stop teasing people.”
I lightly patted his back and tried to dissuade him.
And as I was trying to explain to Sir Perdes and Sir Aldor, who were having a strange misunderstanding, I saw Sir Dominic approaching.
I guess I'll have to explain later.
I swallowed what I was about to say and looked at Sir Dominic.
He bowed his head slightly to me and then said.
“A carriage to the palace is ready in front of the station.”
“It’s late, are I going to see His Majesty the Emperor right away?”
“No. You will see His Majesty the Emperor tomorrow morning. For now, you can go to the palace and get some rest.”
Are I staying at the palace again this time?
It wasn't surprising because it was something that was expected.
At the same time, I thought it was really fortunate that Leo came.
“Then, let's go, Young Lady Leopold.”
“Just a moment.”
I told him to wait, then whispered in Leo's ear just loud enough for him to hear.
“Just do as I say.”
Leo winked at me as if he understood, then spoke slyly to the two men who were staring at him intently.
“Ah, that’s why men who are loved are so tiring.”
Suddenly, the sound of fingernails scraping against the marble floor echoed eerily.
“I will definitely, definitely reveal that dark secret.”
***
I had to adjust my schedule to go up to the capital tomorrow, so I called Harnes and talked to him, and I discovered a problem.
The problem was that I couldn't go on the hot spring trip I promised Perdes.
It would have been possible to return to the territory as soon as I reported to the Emperor, but it was questionable whether the Emperor would send me right away.
There was also work to do in the capital.
To carry out all the plans, we had to stay in the capital for at least a week.
What should I do?
I tapped the desk with the tip of my pen and pondered over the matter, but no matter how much I thought about it, I came to only one conclusion.
I should apologize to Perdes and tell him to go next time.
It was awkward to say this, as I had repeatedly vowed not to break my promise under the pretext of being busy, but I had no choice.
My plan could be postponed for a few days, but I couldn't go if the Emperor called me, so I quietly told Perdes during dinner that I probably wouldn't be able to go to the hot springs.
“...”
Then Perdes' expression hardened noticeably.
The hand holding the knife tightened its grip.
"Sorry."
It wasn't because of him that I broke my promise, but I apologized again and again because I felt sorry.
“I never thought the Emperor would call me so suddenly.”
“...I can’t help it.”
Perdes cut into the medium-rare steak with a deep sigh.
“The Emperor has called you, so you must go. Yes. You must go.”
...You’re not slicing the steak, you’re chopping it.
That meant Perdes was disappointed, so I added some words to comfort him.
“Let’s definitely go together next time.”
"When?"
“Well, well, let’s go together for my next birthday.”
I said whatever came to mind without any reason, and Perdes' hand, which was chopping the steak, stopped.
Eyes filled with incomprehensible emotions met my gaze.
“...Next Young Lady’s birthday?”
“Isn’t it too long to wait until next year? Then, should I go to the capital and come back?”
Wait a minute. Will we have time then?
It depends on how quickly they 'figure it out', so there's no way to know right now.
I was going to suggest another day because I thought Perdes would be very disappointed if I made a promise and then said no, but Perdes spoke first.
“No. Let’s go next time for Young Lady’s birthday.”
“Is that okay with me having to wait until next year?”
"Yes."
Perdes continued, stirring the meat he had chopped with his fork.
“The hot spring trip is YoungLady’s birthday present, so it would be most meaningful if we went on your birthday. So let’s go on your next birthday.”
By the way, it was a present I received for my birthday this year.
I wondered what the point of using it on my next birthday would be, but I felt bad about breaking my promise, so I said I would do it without complaining.
***
The next day.
As planned, I headed to the capital with the imperial knights.
Fortunately, the train was on time, so I was able to board the train right away without having to rely on Count Martina.
Perdes and I rode in first class, while Sir Aldor, Sir Eren, and the royal knights who followed us as escorts rode in second class.
I wanted to give the two people first-class seats, but there were no seats available because I had to rush to get tickets.
Even the seat I'm sitting in now was one I had to pay extra for with difficulty.
“But Young Lady.”
Perdes, sitting across from me, pointed to the bag next to his chair with his chin and asked.
“What’s that? Isn’t that a suitcase?”
"That's right."
“But why didn’t you put it in the luggage compartment and just take it with you?”
“It contains important items, so if I lose it, it would be a big problem, so that’s why.”
“Important stuff? What’s inside?”
I couldn't tell you yet, so I just laughed silently.
Then Perdes crossed his arms and tilted his head.
“I always think about this, but Young Lady....”
“I have a lot of secrets?”
Perdes closed his mouth, wondering if his answer was correct.
I said with a faint smile and a hint of joking.
“It has been said since ancient times that women need to have a few secrets to be mysterious and attractive.”
“...But.”
“Huh? What did you say?”
“No, nothing.”
As he turned his head, Perdes' earlobe was briefly revealed and for some reason, it was slightly red.
The train journey was very smooth.
While enjoying the peace and leisure that was once awaited, I arrived at the capital before I knew it.
As I picked up the bag that I had kept within sight of, Perdes held out his hand.
“Give it to me. I’ll carry it.”
“It’s okay. It’s not that heavy, so I’ll carry it.”
Sir Aldor and Sir Aaron, who came after me, also tried to help me carry my luggage, just like Perdes, but I refused them all.
It wasn't that it wasn't heavy.
To be honest, it was so heavy that my hands were shaking a little, but I held it until the end so that I wouldn't be in trouble if I handed it over and they noticed what was inside.
As I was getting off the train, someone shouted at me and hugged me.
“Come in, darling!”
It was Leo.
At his appearance, Sir Perdes and Sir Aldor frowned with obvious displeasure, while Sir Aaron's eyes widened in surprise.
I was surprised too.
It wasn't that Leo called me darling and hugged me, it was that I was surprised that he was there.
I had sent a letter to Leo asking for his help with this plan, thinking it would be a lot easier, but I had no idea that he would arrive in the capital so quickly, and even before me.
“How did you get here before me?”
When I asked curiously, Leo answered naturally.
“Well, I came quickly because I missed you, Darling.”
“Don’t say anything weird.”
“It’s true. I really wanted to see you, Darling, so I came quickly.”
Anyway, I'm telling you, he's a very clever person.
This may make him look like a bad guy, but Leo's ability and charm lie in the fact that he doesn't look like that at all.
“You came at a good time. Please listen to this.”
It was okay for Leo to not reveal the contents of the bag to anyone else.
Because he was the one who helped me with my plans.
“...!”
When I handed the bag over to Leo, Sir Perdes and Aldor looked at me with utterly bewildered eyes.
“Why are you all like that?”
When I asked curiously, Perdes asked back in a choked voice.
“Why are you handing the bag over to that guy?”
“Well, darling, you trust me.”
It was Leo who answered.
He smiled and linked arms with me.
“So isn’t it about trusting and leaving it to me?”
“...”
At the obvious teasing remark, Perdes' face hardened like a stone.
Sir Aldor's expression wasn't much different.
Leo, on the other hand, giggled as if he found this situation very amusing.
“Stop teasing people.”
I lightly patted his back and tried to dissuade him.
And as I was trying to explain to Sir Perdes and Sir Aldor, who were having a strange misunderstanding, I saw Sir Dominic approaching.
I guess I'll have to explain later.
I swallowed what I was about to say and looked at Sir Dominic.
He bowed his head slightly to me and then said.
“A carriage to the palace is ready in front of the station.”
“It’s late, are I going to see His Majesty the Emperor right away?”
“No. You will see His Majesty the Emperor tomorrow morning. For now, you can go to the palace and get some rest.”
Are I staying at the palace again this time?
It wasn't surprising because it was something that was expected.
At the same time, I thought it was really fortunate that Leo came.
“Then, let's go, Young Lady Leopold.”
“Just a moment.”
I told him to wait, then whispered in Leo's ear just loud enough for him to hear.
“Just do as I say.”
Leo winked at me as if he understood, then spoke slyly to the two men who were staring at him intently.
“Ah, that’s why men who are loved are so tiring.”
Support Novellate!
Comments
Post a Comment