Ivan swirled his glass around dryly. Rodan's gaze was also fixed on the glass that had already been spinning in the air for more than a dozen times.
“...”
Rodan's lips twitched several times as he hesitated whether to say that he was crazy or not. But he eventually succeeded in suppressing his impulse. Perhaps he sensed something uneasy in Ivan's own expression.
“Rodan.”
Rodan took a step back with a face that seemed to think that he should just continue like this. Ivan did not miss that moment and called out to Rodan. Rodan quickly wiped away his prickly expression and faced him with a calm face.
“What about the family matter you asked me to investigate?”
“I’m just adding some content.”
Rodan answered quickly. Considering Rodan's usual work habits, the household survey was almost finished. He was probably calculating how much time and money it would take to hold the wedding after submitting the proposal.
“It’s almost done.”
Rodan hurriedly added, as if he thought he was trying to urge things on. Ivan raised the glass to his lips without replying. As his Adam's apple rose and fell, the strong liquid tilted toward his mouth.
“Do you have any additional instructions?”
Rodan, unable to bear the silence, asked first.
“Buy a house.”
Ivan then gave Rodan an answer. However, it seemed to be something quite unexpected for Rodan. The way he quietly rolled his eyes explained him.
“You say it’s a house...”
“Where will Amelia stay?”
Ivan answered clearly. Rodan stuck out his tongue and moistened his lips with an anxious face. It seemed as if he wanted to ask where he had heard the story he had heard last time.
"All right."
But in the end, he accepted Ivan's order. It seemed that he had sensed that Ivan would not listen to him.
“You did something I tried to dissuade you from, but in the end, you led things in the direction you wanted...”
There was a little bit of trust in his words. That was understandable, because Ivan had visited the temple several times despite being told not to. He had even lured a Priestess into having his child. He had even brought her into the palace and was trying to reveal the truth about the temple when Reed’s delegation arrived.
Just as such a situation could have been possible due to an absurd coincidence, Ivan's decision to deal with Amelia could have gone in an unexpected direction. Rodan was clearly counting on that.
“Ready to welcome the delegation.”
“That too is coming to an end.”
“Be sure to pay attention to the layout of the noble families, such as the Duke of Russell or the Count of Skipper.”
At Ivan's words, Rodan nodded as if to tell him not to worry. If it were the Rodan he knew, he would have already placed him at the closest distance to the delegation, but it was just a remark made out of concern. He was very curious about what kind of face he would have when the truth of the temple was revealed. Aren't they the ones who used the temple to keep the imperial family in their grasp for the rest of their lives?
“Is it true that the Priestess clearly stated her intention to testify?”
Rodan hesitated before asking the question. He was worried that Amelia might do something stupid and embarrass them. His concern was understandable.
“She knew I was going to get married soon. She also knew that the child would never be recognized as mine.”
But Ivan was calm. He had no doubt that Amelia would follow him.
“Did you tell her that honestly? Is that okay?”
The worry that he couldn't hide was revealed on Rodan's face.
“Of course, when you see her briefly, she seems like a very fragile and quiet woman, but you never know what’s on her mind.”
The fact that Ivan couldn't hide it until the end was somewhat bothersome. Amelia's face, sobbing in pain, lingered in his memory, and he felt unpleasant.
“The woman is afraid of death and wants to get out of the temple.”
“...”
“She is a woman who has been oppressed in the temple her whole life, and sacrificed for generations. If she were to go back, she would have to have sex with a man she doesn’t know and give birth to a child, and there’s no way she would want that.”
However, he believed that Amelia would not betray him. Amelia was also in a situation where she could not back down. She could not return to the temple, nor could she let her child die. Just as he had initially arranged.
“Yes, I’ll prepare it properly.”
Finally, Rodan complied with Ivan's order and left the office. The glass, now filled with ice, rattled. Ivan stared at it meaninglessly.
“...”
The ice cubes that didn't fit together were piled up and shaking uneasily. Ivan picked up the glass, opened the window, and emptied everything in the glass. The clattering noise completely disappeared.
Only then did Ivan think with peace of mind.
He had already been showing excessive mercy to Amelia. As time passes and everything is buried, Amelia will come to accept that fact.
News of the arrival of Reed's delegation was heard. Amelia was also dressed up as one of the people attending the delegation's welcoming ceremony.
“Are you done?”
“I just need to organize your hair...”
“Tie it up neatly. It’ll be a hassle if you untie it.”
The maid nodded with a regretful face at Amelia's request. Amelia's black hair was rare as it was the only one in Escliffe, and it was also smooth and luscious as if it had been oiled, so it would be a waste to tie it up and cover it.
“This isn’t a place for me to look pretty.”
But since Amelia said so much, it seemed impossible to ask her if she would mind undoing it. The maid nodded, tied her hair low and neatly up. She finished off her look with a pearl headband and pearl earrings.
“You have to leave now.”
Louis came to Amelia and spoke. Amelia nodded and stood up. Then, as she was about to go out, she stopped for a moment when she saw herself reflected in the full-length mirror next to the door.
A white puff-sleeved dress, pearl jewelry, and flat white shoes. She looked absolutely elegant and pure. It was impossible to guess what she was thinking.
"Let's go."
At Amelia's words, the maid hurriedly opened the door.
“I meet the Priestess.”
“It’s been a while.”
Mrs. Warner, the maid who had been waiting for Amelia outside, greeted her and began walking ahead. Amelia followed her slowly.
The summers in Escliffe were not so harsh, and the sun was warm. As Amelia walked through the gardens of summer roses, she recalled the story of the Empress who had loved roses. And naturally, she thought of Ivan.
For nearly a fortnight, Ivan never came to visit Amelia. She would sleep soundly and wake up several times in the morning, but Ivan never came. The door he used to enter and exit was always tightly shut. The suffocating longing that raised its head without her knowledge at night slowly strangled Amelia and died.
“...”
Ivan didn't go to see Ian either. It was only natural, since he had never gone to see the child of his own free will.
“How is His Majesty, Mrs. Warner?”
Mrs. Warner, who had been walking, paused for a moment before Amelia's sudden question. However, her shoulders, which had been trembling, calmed down as if nothing had happened.
“I hope Her Highness is always at peace.”
That was all the answer. Mrs. Warner was the head maid, so she couldn't be completely honest with Amelia, an outsider. She knew that, but she didn't think Mrs. Warner would lie. There was no reason for her to do so.
“I see. That’s good.”
Amelia answered calmly. Mrs. Warner, who seemed to doubt Amelia’s intentions for a moment, seemed to think she was just asking how he was doing, and passed the situation over indifferently.
“Your Ladyship, your seat is in the front row. If you feel any inconvenience, you can call someone over at any time and ask them to correct it.”
“I will do that.”
As Mrs. Warner gave Amelia a brief introduction, the nobles began to fill the seats one after another to attend the welcoming ceremony. Amelia passed them and took her assigned seat.
“Your Majesty, the Emperor!”
After Reed's delegation, the high-ranking nobles of Escliffe, and even Amelia, had taken their seats, the attendant raised his voice and announced Ivan's position.
Amelia watched silently as Ivan walked down the central aisle, passed her, and finally sat down at the head of the table, facing them. He was dressed more extravagantly than usual, enough to make his smooth, handsome face stand out.
“...”
Their eyes met. He had an indifferent expression. Amelia knew by now that that was his real face. But she wasn't particularly sad about knowing that.
Many things in life are sadder and more hopeless than this.
“...”
Rodan's lips twitched several times as he hesitated whether to say that he was crazy or not. But he eventually succeeded in suppressing his impulse. Perhaps he sensed something uneasy in Ivan's own expression.
“Rodan.”
Rodan took a step back with a face that seemed to think that he should just continue like this. Ivan did not miss that moment and called out to Rodan. Rodan quickly wiped away his prickly expression and faced him with a calm face.
“What about the family matter you asked me to investigate?”
“I’m just adding some content.”
Rodan answered quickly. Considering Rodan's usual work habits, the household survey was almost finished. He was probably calculating how much time and money it would take to hold the wedding after submitting the proposal.
“It’s almost done.”
Rodan hurriedly added, as if he thought he was trying to urge things on. Ivan raised the glass to his lips without replying. As his Adam's apple rose and fell, the strong liquid tilted toward his mouth.
“Do you have any additional instructions?”
Rodan, unable to bear the silence, asked first.
“Buy a house.”
Ivan then gave Rodan an answer. However, it seemed to be something quite unexpected for Rodan. The way he quietly rolled his eyes explained him.
“You say it’s a house...”
“Where will Amelia stay?”
Ivan answered clearly. Rodan stuck out his tongue and moistened his lips with an anxious face. It seemed as if he wanted to ask where he had heard the story he had heard last time.
"All right."
But in the end, he accepted Ivan's order. It seemed that he had sensed that Ivan would not listen to him.
“You did something I tried to dissuade you from, but in the end, you led things in the direction you wanted...”
There was a little bit of trust in his words. That was understandable, because Ivan had visited the temple several times despite being told not to. He had even lured a Priestess into having his child. He had even brought her into the palace and was trying to reveal the truth about the temple when Reed’s delegation arrived.
Just as such a situation could have been possible due to an absurd coincidence, Ivan's decision to deal with Amelia could have gone in an unexpected direction. Rodan was clearly counting on that.
“Ready to welcome the delegation.”
“That too is coming to an end.”
“Be sure to pay attention to the layout of the noble families, such as the Duke of Russell or the Count of Skipper.”
At Ivan's words, Rodan nodded as if to tell him not to worry. If it were the Rodan he knew, he would have already placed him at the closest distance to the delegation, but it was just a remark made out of concern. He was very curious about what kind of face he would have when the truth of the temple was revealed. Aren't they the ones who used the temple to keep the imperial family in their grasp for the rest of their lives?
“Is it true that the Priestess clearly stated her intention to testify?”
Rodan hesitated before asking the question. He was worried that Amelia might do something stupid and embarrass them. His concern was understandable.
“She knew I was going to get married soon. She also knew that the child would never be recognized as mine.”
But Ivan was calm. He had no doubt that Amelia would follow him.
“Did you tell her that honestly? Is that okay?”
The worry that he couldn't hide was revealed on Rodan's face.
“Of course, when you see her briefly, she seems like a very fragile and quiet woman, but you never know what’s on her mind.”
The fact that Ivan couldn't hide it until the end was somewhat bothersome. Amelia's face, sobbing in pain, lingered in his memory, and he felt unpleasant.
“The woman is afraid of death and wants to get out of the temple.”
“...”
“She is a woman who has been oppressed in the temple her whole life, and sacrificed for generations. If she were to go back, she would have to have sex with a man she doesn’t know and give birth to a child, and there’s no way she would want that.”
However, he believed that Amelia would not betray him. Amelia was also in a situation where she could not back down. She could not return to the temple, nor could she let her child die. Just as he had initially arranged.
“Yes, I’ll prepare it properly.”
Finally, Rodan complied with Ivan's order and left the office. The glass, now filled with ice, rattled. Ivan stared at it meaninglessly.
“...”
The ice cubes that didn't fit together were piled up and shaking uneasily. Ivan picked up the glass, opened the window, and emptied everything in the glass. The clattering noise completely disappeared.
Only then did Ivan think with peace of mind.
He had already been showing excessive mercy to Amelia. As time passes and everything is buried, Amelia will come to accept that fact.
***
News of the arrival of Reed's delegation was heard. Amelia was also dressed up as one of the people attending the delegation's welcoming ceremony.
“Are you done?”
“I just need to organize your hair...”
“Tie it up neatly. It’ll be a hassle if you untie it.”
The maid nodded with a regretful face at Amelia's request. Amelia's black hair was rare as it was the only one in Escliffe, and it was also smooth and luscious as if it had been oiled, so it would be a waste to tie it up and cover it.
“This isn’t a place for me to look pretty.”
But since Amelia said so much, it seemed impossible to ask her if she would mind undoing it. The maid nodded, tied her hair low and neatly up. She finished off her look with a pearl headband and pearl earrings.
“You have to leave now.”
Louis came to Amelia and spoke. Amelia nodded and stood up. Then, as she was about to go out, she stopped for a moment when she saw herself reflected in the full-length mirror next to the door.
A white puff-sleeved dress, pearl jewelry, and flat white shoes. She looked absolutely elegant and pure. It was impossible to guess what she was thinking.
"Let's go."
At Amelia's words, the maid hurriedly opened the door.
“I meet the Priestess.”
“It’s been a while.”
Mrs. Warner, the maid who had been waiting for Amelia outside, greeted her and began walking ahead. Amelia followed her slowly.
The summers in Escliffe were not so harsh, and the sun was warm. As Amelia walked through the gardens of summer roses, she recalled the story of the Empress who had loved roses. And naturally, she thought of Ivan.
For nearly a fortnight, Ivan never came to visit Amelia. She would sleep soundly and wake up several times in the morning, but Ivan never came. The door he used to enter and exit was always tightly shut. The suffocating longing that raised its head without her knowledge at night slowly strangled Amelia and died.
“...”
Ivan didn't go to see Ian either. It was only natural, since he had never gone to see the child of his own free will.
“How is His Majesty, Mrs. Warner?”
Mrs. Warner, who had been walking, paused for a moment before Amelia's sudden question. However, her shoulders, which had been trembling, calmed down as if nothing had happened.
“I hope Her Highness is always at peace.”
That was all the answer. Mrs. Warner was the head maid, so she couldn't be completely honest with Amelia, an outsider. She knew that, but she didn't think Mrs. Warner would lie. There was no reason for her to do so.
“I see. That’s good.”
Amelia answered calmly. Mrs. Warner, who seemed to doubt Amelia’s intentions for a moment, seemed to think she was just asking how he was doing, and passed the situation over indifferently.
“Your Ladyship, your seat is in the front row. If you feel any inconvenience, you can call someone over at any time and ask them to correct it.”
“I will do that.”
As Mrs. Warner gave Amelia a brief introduction, the nobles began to fill the seats one after another to attend the welcoming ceremony. Amelia passed them and took her assigned seat.
“Your Majesty, the Emperor!”
After Reed's delegation, the high-ranking nobles of Escliffe, and even Amelia, had taken their seats, the attendant raised his voice and announced Ivan's position.
Amelia watched silently as Ivan walked down the central aisle, passed her, and finally sat down at the head of the table, facing them. He was dressed more extravagantly than usual, enough to make his smooth, handsome face stand out.
“...”
Their eyes met. He had an indifferent expression. Amelia knew by now that that was his real face. But she wasn't particularly sad about knowing that.
Many things in life are sadder and more hopeless than this.
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