“I am grateful that you did not forget and called me.”
“I know what Enoch has done for me. I feel more sorry and grateful.”
“...No, Your Highness.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t call you sooner.”
This was my true heart. Enoch, still thoughtful, just smiled thinly. As if everything was okay.
He took a step closer.
“It’s really okay, Your Highness. You don’t have to feel guilty.”
“...”
“I am happy just to see Your Highness again.”
He said, gently grabbing the end of my hair and then releasing it as if he dared not touch it any further.
He was truly the epitome of a knight. If it were me, I would have grabbed his hair and yelled at him for not calling him sooner.
I felt a mixture of gratitude and relief. It felt like everything was falling into place.
Enoch became a knight again, and the sense of guilt that had weighed on my mind was already fading away. I thought he had a very positive mentality.
Anyway, it was a moment of relief that everything was going very smoothly.
"Your Highness."
Irina approached with quick steps. Her small face, unusually stiff, looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
She bowed down to me and said.
“They say that His Majesty has collapsed.”
It was only two days after Entremette that the Emperor fell.
They said that the long-standing illness he had been suffering from before had rapidly worsened due to the excessive activity at the New Year's festival.
It was also said that, except for the imperial doctor and the chief chamberlain, no one knew about the Emperor's physical condition, because he had ordered them to remain silent.
The villa was as quiet as a mouse. I followed the chamberlain and slowly entered the dark room.
In the middle of the room, which had only the bare minimum of lighting to distinguish its surroundings, was a huge bed. In that desolate, colorless space, the Emperor was closing his eyes.
A space where even the entry of the servants was strictly controlled. Since the Emperor regained consciousness, only three people were allowed to enter this room. The palace, the chief chamberlain, and me.
Of all the people in the palace, I was probably the most surprised when I heard the news that the Emperor, who had regained consciousness, was looking for me first.
"...Your Majesty."
It seemed strange to see him lying down as if he had become attached to me while grumbling every time.
I called him with a trembling voice, trying hard to hold back the tears that were about to spill over. The Emperor opened his pale eyelids and looked at me.
“Come closer.”
I carefully folded my hands and slowly sat down on the chair next to the bed. The Emperor waved his hand as if he was annoyed by my face which looked like it was about to cry.
“Are you crying already? I am still alive and well.”
An arm so thin that I couldn't even shake it off if I pressed on it with force. Until now, I thought the Emperor was really thin, and that it was because he was a picky eater who only ate vegetables...
What a naive delusion that was. I barely managed to suppress the tears that were about to burst out.
It was always painful to watch someone sick. The image of Olga lying down overlapped with the Emperor. The two were completely different people, except for the fact that they were sick.
Even the Emperor had not spent as much time with me as Olga, and Olga was in a much worse situation, barely able to get medical attention.
Therefore, I had no reason to feel sorry for this man. Our bond was very tenuous, and there were many more pitiful people in the world.
But an unknown force seemed to take hold of my heart. Without realizing it, I reached out and gripped the Emperor's cold hand tightly.
He looked very surprised. The Emperor could not shake off my hand at once.
The Emperor, who had been quietly watching as if the warmth was unfamiliar, eventually moved and pulled his hand away. The old man's calm voice dispersed into the dark room.
“I don’t have much time left. At least three years, at most five years.”
I raised my head without saying a word. My lips were so dry they wouldn't come off easily.
The Emperor gently lifted the back of his hand and placed it on my cheek. His hand was dry and cold.
“I had long ago given up hope of ever finding Anastasia again. And with all thoughts of her dead, all that was left for me was this damned throne.”
“...”
“This throne is a beast that devours all those I cherish. No one in this empire, or in this golden crown of the emperor, has a deeper desire for revenge than I do. And so, for neglecting my duties and enjoying my rights, I am finally receiving this punishment.”
It was more like he was talking to himself than talking to me. I quickly became nervous, like a thief who accidentally overheard someone's confession.
I tried to grab his hand again, but the Emperor was a little quicker in pulling his hand away.
“I told you to use me. I will.”
“...”
“Starting next month, there will be a competition between you and Lady Veronica for the succession. The Duke of Kairak requested it of me through the Privy Council, and I have approved it. Not for you, but only for Veronica.”
For Veronica. Aside from the sinking feeling in my heart, it wasn't a particularly surprising thing.
It was natural that he cared more for Veronica, who was his blood relative than for me, who may have rolled in from somewhere.
“I believe in that child’s potential. She is a smart child. She has put in as much effort as she has talent.”
“...”
“However, if she ascends to the throne like this, she will never be free from her biological father’s influence for the rest of her life. And considering the Duke’s ambitions, the imperial lineage may change.”
The Emperor's face was so calm as he said that the imperial system had changed, so I thought I had misheard.
Well, even I, who know nothing, can see it, so how clear must it have been to the Emperor's eyes? The future in which the Duke would establish his own daughter as the Empress, and then eventually bring her down with his own cruel hands.
The Emperor was not unaware. Before, there was no other alternative, but now there was me.
If it passes the blood test, it will be legitimate, but since the ability has not been verified, it can elevate Veronica's status.
“...Do you want me to lose to Lady Veronica?”
“Are you willing to be used for that child?”
He smiled briefly, a half-smile gnawed at by pain.
“If you do that, I promise to manipulate the results of the temple.”
I clenched my fists. He could manipulate the results of the temple...
What he meant was that he would crown me a true Princess. He said that the Emperor himself would cover up my lies and deception.
“Then the Princess will gain legitimacy, and you will gain eternal honor.”
“...”
I can't quite fathom his feelings. Is it because of a sense of indebtedness to the Empire? Or is it because he simply wants to see Veronica become a good Empress?
But I knew one thing. This was the kind of offer I could never accept. I asked back stiffly.
“...Then what will Your Majesty gain?”
After a moment of silence, the Emperor smiled again.
“Do you resent me for making such a suggestion?”
I shook my head. It wasn't that I was resentful. But it was at least an offer I couldn't accept.
“I am sorry, Your Majesty, but I intend to do my best in the competition.”
“...”
“I don’t know anything about politics. But I made up my mind when I first entered the palace. I will do whatever comes my way without regret, and I will take responsibility for whatever I am responsible for. I think that way, I will be able to sleep soundly later.”
“..."
“And, Your Majesty. The fact that you are suggesting this to me is a sign that you do not trust the Princess’s abilities.”
If Veronica had known, she would have been very proud. She probably wouldn't even consider me a competitor.
I just recently passed the entrance exam for Luxor College, and she graduated from the famous Branford. So even my words about doing my best may be nothing more than a boast.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“And, you’re going to make me a Princess... Please don’t do that.”
"....”
“Then later, when the real Princess appears, you won’t be able to have her by your side proudly.”
What I really wanted to say was this. I didn't want to see that lonely, solitary person die without hope. Olga was enough to watch that happen.
If Anastasia lives, Laskan will definitely find her while I buy her time... Then the Emperor’s sorrow will be alleviated.
If the Emperor acknowledges me as the real one before then, the Princess who has finally been restored will not be able to enjoy even a single bit of her status as a true Princess. I will also have to give up my life as 'Sasha' forever.
I didn't want that at all. It wouldn't be a happy ending for anyone.
“Go to sleep. I’ll call the palace doctor for you.”
"...Yes."
I wish you were really that kid.
The Emperor's words were like a very faint sigh. If I hadn't been bending down to make up the bed, I would have had a hard time hearing them.
“Therefore, the former aims to lead each battle individually, while the latter is an activity that links these battles together to achieve the purpose of war...”
I really don't know what you're talking about. I desperately resisted the urge to bury my head in a thick book. Except for the study of the Emperor, the Princess's classes were activities that could be 'officially observed'.
That meant there were at least three people in this large room used as a classroom.
“If we were to elaborate more on the concept of a single battle, an independent battle as a single unit, what would happen is as follows...”
Oh, I was just blankly staring, and then our eyes met.
I quickly lowered my eyes and pretended to focus on the lesson. I tried to ignore Dmitry's gaze, who was leaning against the wall and watching with great interest.
I really don't know why he's doing that over there.
“I know what Enoch has done for me. I feel more sorry and grateful.”
“...No, Your Highness.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t call you sooner.”
This was my true heart. Enoch, still thoughtful, just smiled thinly. As if everything was okay.
He took a step closer.
“It’s really okay, Your Highness. You don’t have to feel guilty.”
“...”
“I am happy just to see Your Highness again.”
He said, gently grabbing the end of my hair and then releasing it as if he dared not touch it any further.
He was truly the epitome of a knight. If it were me, I would have grabbed his hair and yelled at him for not calling him sooner.
I felt a mixture of gratitude and relief. It felt like everything was falling into place.
Enoch became a knight again, and the sense of guilt that had weighed on my mind was already fading away. I thought he had a very positive mentality.
Anyway, it was a moment of relief that everything was going very smoothly.
"Your Highness."
Irina approached with quick steps. Her small face, unusually stiff, looked as if she might burst into tears at any moment.
She bowed down to me and said.
“They say that His Majesty has collapsed.”
***
It was only two days after Entremette that the Emperor fell.
They said that the long-standing illness he had been suffering from before had rapidly worsened due to the excessive activity at the New Year's festival.
It was also said that, except for the imperial doctor and the chief chamberlain, no one knew about the Emperor's physical condition, because he had ordered them to remain silent.
The villa was as quiet as a mouse. I followed the chamberlain and slowly entered the dark room.
In the middle of the room, which had only the bare minimum of lighting to distinguish its surroundings, was a huge bed. In that desolate, colorless space, the Emperor was closing his eyes.
A space where even the entry of the servants was strictly controlled. Since the Emperor regained consciousness, only three people were allowed to enter this room. The palace, the chief chamberlain, and me.
Of all the people in the palace, I was probably the most surprised when I heard the news that the Emperor, who had regained consciousness, was looking for me first.
"...Your Majesty."
It seemed strange to see him lying down as if he had become attached to me while grumbling every time.
I called him with a trembling voice, trying hard to hold back the tears that were about to spill over. The Emperor opened his pale eyelids and looked at me.
“Come closer.”
I carefully folded my hands and slowly sat down on the chair next to the bed. The Emperor waved his hand as if he was annoyed by my face which looked like it was about to cry.
“Are you crying already? I am still alive and well.”
An arm so thin that I couldn't even shake it off if I pressed on it with force. Until now, I thought the Emperor was really thin, and that it was because he was a picky eater who only ate vegetables...
What a naive delusion that was. I barely managed to suppress the tears that were about to burst out.
It was always painful to watch someone sick. The image of Olga lying down overlapped with the Emperor. The two were completely different people, except for the fact that they were sick.
Even the Emperor had not spent as much time with me as Olga, and Olga was in a much worse situation, barely able to get medical attention.
Therefore, I had no reason to feel sorry for this man. Our bond was very tenuous, and there were many more pitiful people in the world.
But an unknown force seemed to take hold of my heart. Without realizing it, I reached out and gripped the Emperor's cold hand tightly.
He looked very surprised. The Emperor could not shake off my hand at once.
The Emperor, who had been quietly watching as if the warmth was unfamiliar, eventually moved and pulled his hand away. The old man's calm voice dispersed into the dark room.
“I don’t have much time left. At least three years, at most five years.”
I raised my head without saying a word. My lips were so dry they wouldn't come off easily.
The Emperor gently lifted the back of his hand and placed it on my cheek. His hand was dry and cold.
“I had long ago given up hope of ever finding Anastasia again. And with all thoughts of her dead, all that was left for me was this damned throne.”
“...”
“This throne is a beast that devours all those I cherish. No one in this empire, or in this golden crown of the emperor, has a deeper desire for revenge than I do. And so, for neglecting my duties and enjoying my rights, I am finally receiving this punishment.”
It was more like he was talking to himself than talking to me. I quickly became nervous, like a thief who accidentally overheard someone's confession.
I tried to grab his hand again, but the Emperor was a little quicker in pulling his hand away.
“I told you to use me. I will.”
“...”
“Starting next month, there will be a competition between you and Lady Veronica for the succession. The Duke of Kairak requested it of me through the Privy Council, and I have approved it. Not for you, but only for Veronica.”
For Veronica. Aside from the sinking feeling in my heart, it wasn't a particularly surprising thing.
It was natural that he cared more for Veronica, who was his blood relative than for me, who may have rolled in from somewhere.
“I believe in that child’s potential. She is a smart child. She has put in as much effort as she has talent.”
“...”
“However, if she ascends to the throne like this, she will never be free from her biological father’s influence for the rest of her life. And considering the Duke’s ambitions, the imperial lineage may change.”
The Emperor's face was so calm as he said that the imperial system had changed, so I thought I had misheard.
Well, even I, who know nothing, can see it, so how clear must it have been to the Emperor's eyes? The future in which the Duke would establish his own daughter as the Empress, and then eventually bring her down with his own cruel hands.
The Emperor was not unaware. Before, there was no other alternative, but now there was me.
If it passes the blood test, it will be legitimate, but since the ability has not been verified, it can elevate Veronica's status.
“...Do you want me to lose to Lady Veronica?”
“Are you willing to be used for that child?”
He smiled briefly, a half-smile gnawed at by pain.
“If you do that, I promise to manipulate the results of the temple.”
I clenched my fists. He could manipulate the results of the temple...
What he meant was that he would crown me a true Princess. He said that the Emperor himself would cover up my lies and deception.
“Then the Princess will gain legitimacy, and you will gain eternal honor.”
“...”
I can't quite fathom his feelings. Is it because of a sense of indebtedness to the Empire? Or is it because he simply wants to see Veronica become a good Empress?
But I knew one thing. This was the kind of offer I could never accept. I asked back stiffly.
“...Then what will Your Majesty gain?”
After a moment of silence, the Emperor smiled again.
“Do you resent me for making such a suggestion?”
I shook my head. It wasn't that I was resentful. But it was at least an offer I couldn't accept.
“I am sorry, Your Majesty, but I intend to do my best in the competition.”
“...”
“I don’t know anything about politics. But I made up my mind when I first entered the palace. I will do whatever comes my way without regret, and I will take responsibility for whatever I am responsible for. I think that way, I will be able to sleep soundly later.”
“..."
“And, Your Majesty. The fact that you are suggesting this to me is a sign that you do not trust the Princess’s abilities.”
If Veronica had known, she would have been very proud. She probably wouldn't even consider me a competitor.
I just recently passed the entrance exam for Luxor College, and she graduated from the famous Branford. So even my words about doing my best may be nothing more than a boast.
I shrugged my shoulders.
“And, you’re going to make me a Princess... Please don’t do that.”
"....”
“Then later, when the real Princess appears, you won’t be able to have her by your side proudly.”
What I really wanted to say was this. I didn't want to see that lonely, solitary person die without hope. Olga was enough to watch that happen.
If Anastasia lives, Laskan will definitely find her while I buy her time... Then the Emperor’s sorrow will be alleviated.
If the Emperor acknowledges me as the real one before then, the Princess who has finally been restored will not be able to enjoy even a single bit of her status as a true Princess. I will also have to give up my life as 'Sasha' forever.
I didn't want that at all. It wouldn't be a happy ending for anyone.
“Go to sleep. I’ll call the palace doctor for you.”
"...Yes."
I wish you were really that kid.
The Emperor's words were like a very faint sigh. If I hadn't been bending down to make up the bed, I would have had a hard time hearing them.
***
“Therefore, the former aims to lead each battle individually, while the latter is an activity that links these battles together to achieve the purpose of war...”
I really don't know what you're talking about. I desperately resisted the urge to bury my head in a thick book. Except for the study of the Emperor, the Princess's classes were activities that could be 'officially observed'.
That meant there were at least three people in this large room used as a classroom.
“If we were to elaborate more on the concept of a single battle, an independent battle as a single unit, what would happen is as follows...”
Oh, I was just blankly staring, and then our eyes met.
I quickly lowered my eyes and pretended to focus on the lesson. I tried to ignore Dmitry's gaze, who was leaning against the wall and watching with great interest.
I really don't know why he's doing that over there.
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