I opened my eyes wide and looked at Linel. He had returned to his original solemn expression and was preparing to greet Grand Duke Martins. The Grand Duke entered the office and bowed to us sitting side by side on the sofa.
“I see the two suns of the Lapion Empire.”
“Come and sit here.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Grand Duke Martins walked over to the sofa and observed me.
“Your Majesty the Empress’s complexion does not look good. Is there something wrong?”
The Grand Duke asked me, pretending to be worried and making a fuss for nothing.
“The Empress is a little angry.”
Linel glanced at me and answered the Grand Duke on my behalf.
“Oh, dear. Have you already heard about the concubine problem?”
Grand Duke Martins guessed what Linel was saying.
“I too have been worried about Her Majesty the Empress since I heard about it from the ministers today.”
You're putting on a show. I snorted inwardly at the Grand Duke's pretentious gaze.
“No, the Empress is not angry because of the concubine. It’s because of the saboteur.”
Linel's finger pointed at Grand Duke Martins.
“Your Highness, I mean you.”
“Huh? What am I bothering you with...”
Grand Duke Martins's puzzled eyes rolled toward me. Don't look at me like that. I don't know what he's talking about. I just shrugged. Then the Grand Duke's gaze turned back to Linel.
“What do you mean, Your Majesty? Is His Majesty in a bad mood because of me?”
“We were kissing.”
Linel smiled, wiping her lips with the back of her hand.
“!”
Oh my. I held back laughter at Linel's mischievous joke. No. It wasn't a joke, because it was true that we kissed.
“I'm a kiss, a kiss-stopper... Cough, cough.”
Grand Duke Martins stuttered with a look of considerable surprise on his face, then coughed in frustration. I nodded at the look in the Grand Duke's eyes as if asking if it was true.
“Yes. We were discussing the concubine issue when suddenly the mood changed to a kiss. That’s how it turned out.”
I also spoke, gently placing the back of my hand against my lips. Linel covered his mouth with his fist and chuckled, then added strength to my words.
“As the matter is serious, I need to further strengthen the relationship between you and me. Isn’t that right, Empress?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
I nodded and answered with force in my eyes. Funny enough, he winked one eye and grabbed my hand tightly as if he were touched by my response. Grand Duke Martins, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, gradually became more and more confused.
“Your Highness, what do you think about taking a concubine?”
Linel wiped the smile from his face and asked seriously.
“Let me tell you what I think...”
Grand Duke Martins' gaze lingered on my face for a moment, then slowly opened his mouth.
“My Lord, I understand the concerns of the ministers. Although they have accepted an empress from the Kingdom of Shattonil due to the intercontinental situation, isn’t the issue of the imperial successor another problem for them?”
I somehow felt that Grand Duke Martins was on the side of the ministers here and was representing them. Why would he, the Grand Duke of the Kingdom of Shattonil, do that? I wondered whether the Grand Duke would have acted in the same way if the current Empress of the Rapion Empire had been Princess Resilia.
“That’s a different matter. So, my successor must have the blood of the Lapion Empire, and that’s what they’re trying to say, and they’re trying to bring their precious daughters into my concubines.”
Linel replied with a bitter expression.
“It is true that the more descendants there are in the royal family, the stronger the empire becomes.”
Grand Duke Martins had a point.
“Besides, it is rare in any country for ministers to wish to have a Prince born of a foreign Empress as the next Emperor, Your Majesty.”
But somehow, I felt a little bit annoyed. What could it be? What was the intention of the Grand Duke, who went beyond a neutral position and sided with the Lapion ministers?
“It’s not that I don’t know that. It’s just that, having a concubine come to me after only a few days of marriage is an intentional attempt to undermine the authority of the Empress. That’s what makes me angry.”
I was secretly glancing at Grand Duke Martins, and I was startled by Linel's words. I had no idea that he was considering my position to this extent.
“Then. Does that mean that Your Majesty has no intention of taking a concubine unless it is for the approval of his ministers?”
Grand Duke Martins asked him with a look of surprise. Linel answered immediately as if he was asking an obvious question.
“No. I don’t think of a concubine.”
It was a voice that conveyed the weight of the words. I glanced at Linel's side profile. He had an expression on his face that looked like he would easily be celibate for ten years. Grand Duke Martins, who had been looking at Linel with a surprised expression, shifted his gaze to me. His eyes seemed to ask how I had cooked the Emperor to react like this. I deliberately avoided the Grand Duke's gaze and pretended not to know.
“Your Majesty, with your short thoughts, I think it would be better to accept their wishes quickly rather than to fight with the ministers.”
“Is that just the Grand Duke's idea? Or does the Shattonil royal family also think the same?”
Linel asked Grand Duke Martins in a puzzled tone. The Shattonil royal family would probably think the same. That was my thought. If the Shattonil kingdom accepted this issue easily? Then, there would have been expectations that my divorce and the Emperor's remarriage would proceed more smoothly in the future. I thought of Prince Tesla's face, who would have been delighted to hear this news from Grand Duke Martins.
“The Royal Family of Shattonil respects the will of His Majesty the Emperor of the Lapion Empire and his ministers.”
“Really? But wouldn’t that be a bit disappointing for the Empress?”
Linel's sharp eyes fixed on Grand Duke Martins.
“Ah, hahaha. Of course, the kingdom is most concerned about Her Majesty the Empress’s safety.”
Only then did Grand Duke Martins respond with an awkward smile.
“I believe the ministers have already taken a step back to offer their respects to Your Majesty’s state wedding.”
“How presumptuous of you to say so.”
“So, if Your Majesty deliberately postpones the issue of concubines, they may feel that their own positions are in danger and turn their resentment against the Empress. That is what concerns me.”
Huh? The level of concern that Grand Duke Martins has for me is truly crippling. But the Grand Duke's words sounded quite plausible.
“Hmm, that’s what I’m most worried about as well. So, is the Grand Duke’s opinion that we should accept concubines to protect the Empress?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. And as soon as possible...”
I couldn't help but glare at Grand Duke Martins at this point.
“It seems that the relationship between the two of you is much stronger than I thought, so even if you take in concubines, as long as Your Majesty does not waver, it won’t matter, right?”
The Grand Duke spoke as if he was slyly looking at Linel, while also checking my expression. He was someone who could really pull out words like spaghetti noodles. The Grand Duke’s expression as he tried to persuade the Emperor that he should take in a concubine to prevent the ministers from becoming antipathetic to him was truly hypocritical. However, his opinion must soon be Prince Tesla’s opinion. If I listened to it without my position and feelings, the Grand Duke’s words were not wrong. The point was that if we quickly accepted the concubines, we could reduce the level of opposition from the ministers when Princess Resilia became the remarried Empress. In short, this was a one-step retreat strategy for a one-step advance.
“The ministers wish to hold the ceremony with the concubines in ten days.”
So quickly? I frowned and glared at Grand Duke Martins.
“According to the priest, that period is the best time for the Empire’s fortunes in the remaining days of the year. What do you think, Your Majesty the Empress?”
Grand Duke Martins threw me a quick ball. He seemed to think that Linel's decision would be made with just one word from me. With the Archduke's ability to think, wouldn't it be possible to join the circus? I felt Linel staring at my lips from the side.
“There is some truth to what the Grand Duke said... Your Majesty.”
I couldn't look him in the eye after saying those words. Strangely, I felt so bitter. I felt angry and sad at the same time. It was a complicated mix of emotions that I couldn't put into words.
“I will ask again. The Empress will have to be careful with your answer.”
My gaze, which had been staring straight ahead, turned to Linel as his voice became more serious.
“Even if I take the concubines so quickly, is the Empress really... okay?”
No. My voice only resonated within me.
“I asked if it was okay.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I spoke, conscious of my voice not sounding pitiful. At that moment, a deep wrinkle formed between Linel’s eyebrows.
“Yes, Empress... What a simple answer. Without any emotion or worries.”
“You is the emperor of a country before being the husband of a woman. I don’t think it is right to oppose you based on personal feelings.”
Grand Duke Martins looked relieved at my answer, but Linel, on the other hand, looked extremely displeased.
“...Good. I didn’t know the Empress was such a generous woman.”
Linel let go of my hand and stood up from the sofa.
“If the Empress is so fine, then there is no reason for me to waste time and argue with the ministers.”
“...”
Linel walked to the mahogany desk. There was a cold air flowing from his back. As he rang the bell on the desk, his secretary Raphael came into the office.
“Did you call, Your Majesty?”
“Raphael, when did you say the meeting with the ministers was going to be?”
“The meeting is still a while away, but I have received word that all the delegates have already arrived in the conference hall.”
“Let them know I’m coming.”
“Right now... are you talking about?”
Secretary Raphael glanced at me and asked Linel cautiously.
“Yes, right now.”
“Yes, I will tell them right away.”
Raphael tilted his head for a moment at the cold atmosphere of the office, then quickly closed the door and left.
“You are wise, Your Majesty. It would be better to approve what has already been decided quickly.”
Grand Duke Martins also rose from the sofa as if he was going to attend the meeting with Linel. Linel then motioned for the moving Grand Duke to stop.
“It would be better for the Grand Duke to remain here with the Empress. Aren’t you a citizen of the Kingdom of Shattonil?”
“Ah... Yes, that’s right. I will do that.”
Grand Duke Martins lowered his head in slight embarrassment. Linel didn't look at me after he got up from the sofa. He just turned around and opened the door to his office and left.
No. My voice only resonated within me.
“I asked if it was okay.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
I spoke, conscious of my voice not sounding pitiful. At that moment, a deep wrinkle formed between Linel’s eyebrows.
“Yes, Empress... What a simple answer. Without any emotion or worries.”
“You is the emperor of a country before being the husband of a woman. I don’t think it is right to oppose you based on personal feelings.”
Grand Duke Martins looked relieved at my answer, but Linel, on the other hand, looked extremely displeased.
“...Good. I didn’t know the Empress was such a generous woman.”
Linel let go of my hand and stood up from the sofa.
“If the Empress is so fine, then there is no reason for me to waste time and argue with the ministers.”
“...”
Linel walked to the mahogany desk. There was a cold air flowing from his back. As he rang the bell on the desk, his secretary Raphael came into the office.
“Did you call, Your Majesty?”
“Raphael, when did you say the meeting with the ministers was going to be?”
“The meeting is still a while away, but I have received word that all the delegates have already arrived in the conference hall.”
“Let them know I’m coming.”
“Right now... are you talking about?”
Secretary Raphael glanced at me and asked Linel cautiously.
“Yes, right now.”
“Yes, I will tell them right away.”
Raphael tilted his head for a moment at the cold atmosphere of the office, then quickly closed the door and left.
“You are wise, Your Majesty. It would be better to approve what has already been decided quickly.”
Grand Duke Martins also rose from the sofa as if he was going to attend the meeting with Linel. Linel then motioned for the moving Grand Duke to stop.
“It would be better for the Grand Duke to remain here with the Empress. Aren’t you a citizen of the Kingdom of Shattonil?”
“Ah... Yes, that’s right. I will do that.”
Grand Duke Martins lowered his head in slight embarrassment. Linel didn't look at me after he got up from the sofa. He just turned around and opened the door to his office and left.
***
“Phew...”
It wasn't until the office door closed that I could finally breathe properly.
“Well done, Your Majesty the Empress.”
Grand Duke Martins sat down on the sofa again and praised me. I tried to look calm, but my expression kept getting worse. He curiously spoke to me.
“Actually, I was a bit surprised earlier.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Because His Majesty does not want to take concubines.”
Grand Duke Martins looked genuinely surprised by Linel's reaction. I snorted slightly and said,
“Is that so? I’d be surprised if you eventually approve it.”
“But it was a strategic marriage between countries, and I expected that His Majesty would not be interested in the Empress...”
Grand Duke Martins stared intently at my right cheek where the burn scar was, and spoke as if he were talking to himself. I stared intently at the Grand Duke who was talking nonsense about having a pierced mouth. I thought it would be nice to put something in that mean mouth. For example, grilled fish with thick thorns, or a rose with the thorns still intact.
“Your Highness. Please refrain from such speech or behavior in front of me in the future.”
"...Yes?"
“Your Highness, you too must be faithful to your acting. What I mean is that I hope you will treat me appropriately for my current position.”
“Oh, I’m sorry.”
Grand Duke Martins raised both hands with a slightly embarrassed expression and apologized. When I step down from the position of Empress, I will receive all the treatment I can receive while staying here. Even if I return to the Kingdom of Shattonil and live as a royal bathing maid again.
“Forgive me if I offended you, my consideration and thought were ignorant.”
“Even if it’s just the two of us, shouldn’t we be careful?”
“That is correct.”
“Yes, because a leaky bowl on the inside will leak out as well.”
I gave a sharp rebuke and stood up to return to the Empress's Palace.
“Haha, I'll keep that in mind.”
Grand Duke Martins smiled briefly and got up at the same time as I did.
“Your Majesty, would you like to take a walk in the garden with me for a moment?”
“I don’t feel like it.”
The words of rejection came out of my mouth in 0.1 seconds.
“...Ah, yes.”
But the Grand Duke, far from being offended by my rejection, just snickered again.
“Are you tired?”
“I guess so.”
The bird was dealing with a bowl, you know.
“If you smell flowers or grass, you will feel less tired.”
No, I think I'll feel better if I break the bowl. I thought, staring blankly at Grand Duke Martin's head.
“The greatest fatigue will be walking beside you, but will smelling the scent of flowers help relieve the fatigue?”
When I openly expressed my discomfort, the Grand Duke coughed in vain but continued to speak stubbornly.
“Ahem, I’ve heard rumors of the great craftsmanship of the Lapion Imperial Gardeners, but I didn’t know it was this good. Please join us.”
“Your Highness, I think you want to enjoy some contemplation, but that’s best done when you’re out walking alone. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
Today was the day when I had used up all my patience for the week. I just wanted to quickly go back to my bedroom and rest quietly.
“Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.”
The voice of Grand Duke Martins came to me secretly as I turned around.
“Really? Then you can tell me here?”
I looked back at Grand Duke Martins and said with a tired expression.
“Many ears are coming and going. This is also His Majesty’s office.”
What could he be talking about? Ah, there was only one thing that the Grand Duke and I could talk about closely.
"No way...?"
“Yes, news about Princess Resilia.”
“That is correct.”
“Yes, because a leaky bowl on the inside will leak out as well.”
I gave a sharp rebuke and stood up to return to the Empress's Palace.
“Haha, I'll keep that in mind.”
Grand Duke Martins smiled briefly and got up at the same time as I did.
“Your Majesty, would you like to take a walk in the garden with me for a moment?”
“I don’t feel like it.”
The words of rejection came out of my mouth in 0.1 seconds.
“...Ah, yes.”
But the Grand Duke, far from being offended by my rejection, just snickered again.
“Are you tired?”
“I guess so.”
The bird was dealing with a bowl, you know.
“If you smell flowers or grass, you will feel less tired.”
No, I think I'll feel better if I break the bowl. I thought, staring blankly at Grand Duke Martin's head.
“The greatest fatigue will be walking beside you, but will smelling the scent of flowers help relieve the fatigue?”
When I openly expressed my discomfort, the Grand Duke coughed in vain but continued to speak stubbornly.
“Ahem, I’ve heard rumors of the great craftsmanship of the Lapion Imperial Gardeners, but I didn’t know it was this good. Please join us.”
“Your Highness, I think you want to enjoy some contemplation, but that’s best done when you’re out walking alone. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
Today was the day when I had used up all my patience for the week. I just wanted to quickly go back to my bedroom and rest quietly.
“Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.”
The voice of Grand Duke Martins came to me secretly as I turned around.
“Really? Then you can tell me here?”
I looked back at Grand Duke Martins and said with a tired expression.
“Many ears are coming and going. This is also His Majesty’s office.”
What could he be talking about? Ah, there was only one thing that the Grand Duke and I could talk about closely.
"No way...?"
“Yes, news about Princess Resilia.”
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