Emma had a glimpse of Carson’s past in Ines’s attitude toward the prime minister a while ago. Emma was the one who had the most experience with how he met people and acted.
Although Ines was a lovely woman, she had never thought Ines would become such a woman worthy of the royal family.
Emma felt proud that the two of them were becoming more and more alike.
She went to the closet to take out the pajamas that Ines always wore.
“Oh, Emma.”
But Ines suddenly called her.
“Not that one today.”
Ines got up and walked to the bed. Then she took out a small box from under the bed. It was a luxurious box made of red satin.
When she opened the box, there was a beautiful indoor dress made of light and airy fabric inside.
Ines’ face turned a little red at the sight of it, and Emma’s eyes sparkled.
At that time, Carson was drinking with Noah in the bedroom for the first time in a long time.
Sitting comfortably, he was already pouring his third glass.
“So now we have another Dominion.”
“Manisut’s face was quite something to see today.”
Carson smiled pleasantly as he recalled his face. Today’s meeting was more fun than ever.
“What on earth is Prime Minister Bonifax thinking?”
He had argued that the Mondrae Bank should be made the central bank today. And that wasn’t all. He even added that if the empire stabilized as a result, Mondrae should be given the title of Count."
“It’s clear that he’s pulling out...”
“I guess Lady Swenden had a hand in it?”
Carson’s mouth drew a pleasing curve when Ines’ name was mentioned.
Prime Minister Bonifax declared the finance ministry a complete failure.
It wasn’t easy for the arrogant finance minister to admit failure. It wasn’t just a matter of pride. It was also a matter of many people’s necks being tied.
But his face did not change at all, and he held out a thick folder without hesitation. Carson frowned without even trying to hide it.
It was obvious that the next plan they would present was the second currency reform without even looking at it.
However, what he said next was completely different from what Carson had expected.
“The preparations were very thorough. So you don’t have to ask who it was.”
The indicator the prime minister had presented was perfect enough that no one could deny it. Even the most incompetent and greedy people could not shamelessly use shallow tricks.
Judging from the Duke of Manisut’s attitude, it was clear that he had not noticed Bonifax’s change of heart in advance.
Bonifax maintained a relaxed attitude throughout, even under the angry gazes of the nobles. And by the end of the meeting, he had even closed his eyes.
“I guess you have decided to keep your position as Minister of Finance.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
The moment he was convinced that Ines had intervened, Carson gave his approval without hesitation. He immediately announced that he would not elect an Empress, not missing the moment. And on the spot, he declared that he would make Ines Swenden his Empress.
The conference hall was instantly filled with silence. A moment later, when Manisut coughed, the ministers and high-ranking nobles foamed at the mouth in opposition.
Carson could not hold back his sarcasm at that obvious behavior.
“Something is missing.”
“I think it might have been a little premature.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
Carson quenched his thirst with his half-empty glass.
“But, I can’t stand it anymore.”
Noah nodded at Carson’s words. His master was extremely cautious, but he couldn’t stand being frustrated.
The sturdy, beautiful man always had a thirsty face toward a woman. As a subject who knew his long, long wait, Noah felt as if he was drying up like Carson.
“This is no different from declaring war on the nobles.”
Carson nodded and emptied his glass completely.
“When has it ever been otherwise? Now, he’ll do anything. Our Duke Manisut, who has been pushed to the edge of a cliff,”
Only then did Noah understand what the Emperor meant.
“Check every single thing that comes and goes between Manisut and his vassal family, Anthony von Raymond, and Countess Paddleton’s house.”
“Understood.”
“The price of one case of that wine could buy a top-class steed, so it won’t be easy to keep hiding it.”
“I’ll expand the search area. I could have borrowed someone else’s hand.”
“Yes.”
Noah, who had something urgent to do, quickly left.
Deep night had fallen on the imperial palace. Carson did not go to bed right away but walked to the window.
The silence was so loud that the sound of ice clinking against the glass could be heard. It was a night that comforted him that the scenery outside the window he was looking at was the same as Ines’s.
“I can wait. Yes, I can wait.”
Ines had been moving without hesitation since she declared that she would become Empress. She was still careful with her words when she did things that did not receive his approval.
However, he could tell with his whole body that Ines was constantly trying to come to him.
He ended up laughing as he muttered to himself with no one to listen.
“There’s no one else like her.”
Nevertheless, Ines always came rushing in like waves and disappeared like bubbles. She was always so beautiful that he could not open his eyes, making his heartache.
One side of his chest tightened, wanting to hold it in his hand and confirm its true nature.
At that moment, the escort standing outside the door knocked on Carson’s door.
Carson carelessly placed the glass he was holding on the window sill and ran to the door. And at the same time, he shouted outside.
“Let her in.”
Ines rarely had seizures these days. But at this hour, there was no other reason for the escort to knock on the door so urgently.
Although Ines was a lovely woman, she had never thought Ines would become such a woman worthy of the royal family.
Emma felt proud that the two of them were becoming more and more alike.
She went to the closet to take out the pajamas that Ines always wore.
“Oh, Emma.”
But Ines suddenly called her.
“Not that one today.”
Ines got up and walked to the bed. Then she took out a small box from under the bed. It was a luxurious box made of red satin.
When she opened the box, there was a beautiful indoor dress made of light and airy fabric inside.
Ines’ face turned a little red at the sight of it, and Emma’s eyes sparkled.
***
At that time, Carson was drinking with Noah in the bedroom for the first time in a long time.
Sitting comfortably, he was already pouring his third glass.
“So now we have another Dominion.”
“Manisut’s face was quite something to see today.”
Carson smiled pleasantly as he recalled his face. Today’s meeting was more fun than ever.
“What on earth is Prime Minister Bonifax thinking?”
He had argued that the Mondrae Bank should be made the central bank today. And that wasn’t all. He even added that if the empire stabilized as a result, Mondrae should be given the title of Count."
“It’s clear that he’s pulling out...”
“I guess Lady Swenden had a hand in it?”
Carson’s mouth drew a pleasing curve when Ines’ name was mentioned.
Prime Minister Bonifax declared the finance ministry a complete failure.
It wasn’t easy for the arrogant finance minister to admit failure. It wasn’t just a matter of pride. It was also a matter of many people’s necks being tied.
But his face did not change at all, and he held out a thick folder without hesitation. Carson frowned without even trying to hide it.
It was obvious that the next plan they would present was the second currency reform without even looking at it.
However, what he said next was completely different from what Carson had expected.
“The preparations were very thorough. So you don’t have to ask who it was.”
The indicator the prime minister had presented was perfect enough that no one could deny it. Even the most incompetent and greedy people could not shamelessly use shallow tricks.
Judging from the Duke of Manisut’s attitude, it was clear that he had not noticed Bonifax’s change of heart in advance.
Bonifax maintained a relaxed attitude throughout, even under the angry gazes of the nobles. And by the end of the meeting, he had even closed his eyes.
“I guess you have decided to keep your position as Minister of Finance.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
The moment he was convinced that Ines had intervened, Carson gave his approval without hesitation. He immediately announced that he would not elect an Empress, not missing the moment. And on the spot, he declared that he would make Ines Swenden his Empress.
The conference hall was instantly filled with silence. A moment later, when Manisut coughed, the ministers and high-ranking nobles foamed at the mouth in opposition.
Carson could not hold back his sarcasm at that obvious behavior.
“Something is missing.”
“I think it might have been a little premature.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
Carson quenched his thirst with his half-empty glass.
“But, I can’t stand it anymore.”
Noah nodded at Carson’s words. His master was extremely cautious, but he couldn’t stand being frustrated.
The sturdy, beautiful man always had a thirsty face toward a woman. As a subject who knew his long, long wait, Noah felt as if he was drying up like Carson.
“This is no different from declaring war on the nobles.”
Carson nodded and emptied his glass completely.
“When has it ever been otherwise? Now, he’ll do anything. Our Duke Manisut, who has been pushed to the edge of a cliff,”
he said.
“We will strengthen our defenses at Landhill.”
“Yes, I will handle it as I see fit, but it would be better to be prepared. However, they will not touch that area right now. They cannot do so now.”
He could not have been unaware that touching Landhill in the current situation would be like the nobles themselves jumping into a pit of fire with their hands full of firewood. And Manisut was not a person who could be easily read.
“And the former Empress?”
Noah shook his head with an apologetic expression.
“We have to get rid of the former Empress before the new Empress enters the palace.”
“...”
“But doesn’t it seem a bit strange?”
“What are you talking about?”
“No matter how well she hides, she hasn’t been caught yet.”
“There must be someone watching her.”
Carson nodded.
“There’s no suspicious activity on Manisuit’s side, right?”
“Yes, Anthony von Raymond is also mostly staying in the mansion and not showing up.”
Carson took a moment to think, fiddling with his glass. Who on earth would be so bold as to bring the former Empress who had moved all the way to the border and hide her?
“Our former Empress has a daughter.”
The Empress originally had two daughters, but she lost her younger daughter during the civil war. Her older daughter had already become the mistress of the Count Paddleton family and was living in a distant city outside the palace.
“Of course, I’ve put someone there too.”
“If someone deliberately hides someone, it’s not easy to find them.”
“...”
“But things are different.”
“Things?”
“Our former Empress, you know. She was born a high-ranking noblewoman. Even a thin piece of paper under her pillow would bother her so much that she couldn’t sleep.”
Noah tilted his head at the unexpected story.
“There’s one thing that the former Empress, who is so sensitive, absolutely can’t stop drinking.”
The Empress drank only Yamanta wine, which was unusually red compared to other wines.
Whenever Carson visited the Empress, she was drinking that wine. A very beautiful servant was serving her.
“She can endure it for a day or two.”
“Ah...”
“We will strengthen our defenses at Landhill.”
“Yes, I will handle it as I see fit, but it would be better to be prepared. However, they will not touch that area right now. They cannot do so now.”
He could not have been unaware that touching Landhill in the current situation would be like the nobles themselves jumping into a pit of fire with their hands full of firewood. And Manisut was not a person who could be easily read.
“And the former Empress?”
Noah shook his head with an apologetic expression.
“We have to get rid of the former Empress before the new Empress enters the palace.”
“...”
“But doesn’t it seem a bit strange?”
“What are you talking about?”
“No matter how well she hides, she hasn’t been caught yet.”
“There must be someone watching her.”
Carson nodded.
“There’s no suspicious activity on Manisuit’s side, right?”
“Yes, Anthony von Raymond is also mostly staying in the mansion and not showing up.”
Carson took a moment to think, fiddling with his glass. Who on earth would be so bold as to bring the former Empress who had moved all the way to the border and hide her?
“Our former Empress has a daughter.”
The Empress originally had two daughters, but she lost her younger daughter during the civil war. Her older daughter had already become the mistress of the Count Paddleton family and was living in a distant city outside the palace.
“Of course, I’ve put someone there too.”
“If someone deliberately hides someone, it’s not easy to find them.”
“...”
“But things are different.”
“Things?”
“Our former Empress, you know. She was born a high-ranking noblewoman. Even a thin piece of paper under her pillow would bother her so much that she couldn’t sleep.”
Noah tilted his head at the unexpected story.
“There’s one thing that the former Empress, who is so sensitive, absolutely can’t stop drinking.”
The Empress drank only Yamanta wine, which was unusually red compared to other wines.
Whenever Carson visited the Empress, she was drinking that wine. A very beautiful servant was serving her.
“She can endure it for a day or two.”
“Ah...”
Only then did Noah understand what the Emperor meant.
“Check every single thing that comes and goes between Manisut and his vassal family, Anthony von Raymond, and Countess Paddleton’s house.”
“Understood.”
“The price of one case of that wine could buy a top-class steed, so it won’t be easy to keep hiding it.”
“I’ll expand the search area. I could have borrowed someone else’s hand.”
“Yes.”
Noah, who had something urgent to do, quickly left.
Deep night had fallen on the imperial palace. Carson did not go to bed right away but walked to the window.
The silence was so loud that the sound of ice clinking against the glass could be heard. It was a night that comforted him that the scenery outside the window he was looking at was the same as Ines’s.
“I can wait. Yes, I can wait.”
Ines had been moving without hesitation since she declared that she would become Empress. She was still careful with her words when she did things that did not receive his approval.
However, he could tell with his whole body that Ines was constantly trying to come to him.
He ended up laughing as he muttered to himself with no one to listen.
“There’s no one else like her.”
Nevertheless, Ines always came rushing in like waves and disappeared like bubbles. She was always so beautiful that he could not open his eyes, making his heartache.
One side of his chest tightened, wanting to hold it in his hand and confirm its true nature.
At that moment, the escort standing outside the door knocked on Carson’s door.
Carson carelessly placed the glass he was holding on the window sill and ran to the door. And at the same time, he shouted outside.
“Let her in.”
Ines rarely had seizures these days. But at this hour, there was no other reason for the escort to knock on the door so urgently.
Soon, the door began to open, and Carson hurried to receive Ines, who was gasping for breath.
But soon, he had no choice but to stop in his tracks.
“Where... are you going?”
Ines did not gasp or slam inside. She covered herself with a black robe and entered with a gentle step.
“No.”
“But why are you wearing a robe at this time of night?”
Ines looked up at Carson, who was standing half-naked again today. The man’s figure, bathed in the soft moonlight, was so beautiful that it was hard to muster up the courage.
He was still a man who was very much in tune with the moon.
Her heart pounded painfully against her chest.
Ines barely managed to catch her breath and instead of answering his question, she grabbed Rob’s hat and pulled it down. The moment the hat came off her head, Carson took a deep breath.
The red jewel he had given her was well placed on Ines’ head. The bright red decoration as if it had been Ines’s from the beginning, bloomed like a flower on her head.
Carson closed his eyes with an emotion he could not define exactly. And now he thought of his beautiful mother, whom he could only see in portraits.
“Your Majesty.”
Ines took a step closer and placed a hand on Carson’s arm. Carson’s shoulders stiffened as her fingertips, slightly colder than the others, touched his body.
Instead of the warm scent that he could smell whenever Ines got close, an unfamiliar and distant body odor came first. Carson could feel everything about Ines even with his eyes closed.
“Your Majesty.”
The soft voice calling him again, the slightly shorter breaths than usual, the tense expression in her eyes looking at him, the hesitation he felt from her light touch.
Everything he could tell without seeing made his breathing quicken.
Carson barely opened his eyes and stared at Ines. If it had been normal, he would have made a light joke, but for some reason, he couldn’t say anything now.
Ines was the one who dared to break the silence that had settled between them.
“I came to give you what’s yours and get mine back.”
Carson swallowed his dry throat. And he stared into her eyes. What was this woman talking about?
“Please give me back my necklace tonight.”
But soon, he had no choice but to stop in his tracks.
“Where... are you going?”
Ines did not gasp or slam inside. She covered herself with a black robe and entered with a gentle step.
“No.”
“But why are you wearing a robe at this time of night?”
Ines looked up at Carson, who was standing half-naked again today. The man’s figure, bathed in the soft moonlight, was so beautiful that it was hard to muster up the courage.
He was still a man who was very much in tune with the moon.
Her heart pounded painfully against her chest.
Ines barely managed to catch her breath and instead of answering his question, she grabbed Rob’s hat and pulled it down. The moment the hat came off her head, Carson took a deep breath.
The red jewel he had given her was well placed on Ines’ head. The bright red decoration as if it had been Ines’s from the beginning, bloomed like a flower on her head.
Carson closed his eyes with an emotion he could not define exactly. And now he thought of his beautiful mother, whom he could only see in portraits.
“Your Majesty.”
Ines took a step closer and placed a hand on Carson’s arm. Carson’s shoulders stiffened as her fingertips, slightly colder than the others, touched his body.
Instead of the warm scent that he could smell whenever Ines got close, an unfamiliar and distant body odor came first. Carson could feel everything about Ines even with his eyes closed.
“Your Majesty.”
The soft voice calling him again, the slightly shorter breaths than usual, the tense expression in her eyes looking at him, the hesitation he felt from her light touch.
Everything he could tell without seeing made his breathing quicken.
Carson barely opened his eyes and stared at Ines. If it had been normal, he would have made a light joke, but for some reason, he couldn’t say anything now.
Ines was the one who dared to break the silence that had settled between them.
“I came to give you what’s yours and get mine back.”
Carson swallowed his dry throat. And he stared into her eyes. What was this woman talking about?
“Please give me back my necklace tonight.”
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