“They say it’s really close from here!”
Melanie emphasized once again that Tanya Island was close to the Pasha Empire.
“...Melanie. Ask His Majesty about that.”
I gave her a curt reply and went back down the stairs.
I was curious about the place, but it wasn’t something I could decide.
“His Majesty listens to anything Your Highness says, right? Let’s just stop by for a bit. Yes? In-laws~”
Melanie snorted, her pretty face pressed close to my nose as she coaxed me.
If I were a man, I would have been completely taken aback.
I looked at Melanie and thought to myself,
“Where should we stop by?”
Just then, I heard Linel’s voice from above the stairs.
I looked up from the landing and saw Linel, Bellos, and Hetor coming down the stairs together.
They seemed to be coming out of a meeting at Emperor Norton’s office.
Melanie held me hostage and pushed me forward, appealing to him.
“Your Majesty, how about stopping by Tanya Island for a day on our way back to the Lapion Empire? It would be very helpful for Her Highness Zelda’s prenatal care...”
“No,”
Linel cut Melanie off.
“Why?”
Melanie asked with a sour expression, not expecting such an outright rejection.
“There are three pregnant women in our group, so we can’t go any further.”
Linel jokingly snapped his index finger, but his expression was deadly serious.
“Besides, we shouldn’t go to such a dangerous place.”
He, too, seemed to have some prejudice against Tanya Island.
Hetor cleared his throat and quietly spoke.
“Your Majesty, Tanya Island is not a dangerous place.”
Hetor’s voice, following Melanie’s, was filled with regret.
“...What I meant was, I was concerned that pregnant women might lose their stamina on a long journey. Besides, isn’t this island about to sink?”
“It would take years to sink to the sea.”
Hetor answered curtly, then suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!” he slammed his fist into his forehead.
“Oh, oh. I was thinking of stopping by Tanya Island to pick up a few of the novels I’ve finished writing, but... I guess I’ll have to move them later, what should I do... ?” Hetor muttered to himself, and I exchanged glances with him.
Linel, in particular, looked as if he’d discovered a treasure.
“Another novel?”
His blue eyes sparkled, almost radiating light.
“Yes, Your Majesty. The water level is so high that I have to move it myself. But I guess I’ll have to get it later.”
Hetor shrugged helplessly.
The water level is so high?
How high is that?
My ears twitched with curiosity.
Linel was no exception.
He quietly asked Bellos, who was beside him,
“What do you think, Lord of the Tower?”
“Well... It’s only about an hour’s boat ride from here, so I don’t think it’ll be too much trouble.”
Linel and I both twitched at Bellos’s words.
"Well, if that's what the Magic Tower Lord says, then I'll follow suit. It's okay if we stop by for a bite to eat and then head out again."
He spoke as if he completely trusted Bellos's words.
Bellos looked at him with a puzzled look, but he pretended not to notice.
"It's nice to have some books to read for a while. Even though they're not books we can read to our baby,"
He whispered, wrapping his arms around my waist.
After breakfast, Empress Elan of the Tebello Empire was the first of the congratulatory delegation to leave the Pasha Empire.
With the entire nation in turmoil following Emperor Adrian's death, Empress Elan's mind was bound to be anxious.
I had said my farewells to Empress Elan in advance in the reception room where the distinguished guests had gathered last night, but my regrets remained.
Fortunately, Empress Elan's expression as she left didn't look too bad. Could it be because of Commander Macrom, who was now by her side?
But I haven't seen Empress Elan properly look at him since Commander Macrom regained his cursed sight.
The same was true for Commander Macrom.
So, when I heard that Empress Elan had nominated Commander Macrom to assist her, I was a bit puzzled.
I don't know who started to avoid eye contact, but something definitely began to feel awkward between them.
According to Raphael, Commander Macrom grumbled about being sent to the Tebello Empire, but never expressed any dislike for going.
Anyway, Empress Elan said she would visit the Lapion Empire to see me and my unborn baby once the imperial family was stable.
I reaffirmed her promise before releasing the hug.
An hour after seeing Empress Elan off, I said goodbye to Empress Katria of the Delroy Empire.
True to her usually outgoing personality, the farewell was cheerful.
Thanks to Empress Katria, my slumped mood lifted.
And now, it was our turn to leave the Pasha Empire.
Rosie and Emperor Norton were waiting for us in the lobby of the East Palace.
Rosie had already cried once on the way to the East Palace.
Emperor Norton was patting Rosie's shoulder, comforting her.
As I descended the stairs with Linel, I met Rosie's reddened eyes.
Ah, I shouldn't cry.
I deliberately smiled brighter and approached Rosie and Emperor Norton.
But the corners of my lips, painfully raised, were eclipsed by sobs from behind.
It must have been Melanie, of course.
“No, Your Majesty, Rosie... When will we see each other again? Huhuhu...”
As expected, Melanie was the first to burst into tears.
“We’ll see each other again in a few months. And I’ll write letters to Moiya and Moni every day.”
Rosie said, tears streaming down her face.
“But... You’re the Empress, so you don’t have anything? Huhu, a gift or something...”
Melanie brought up the subject of gifts even as she sobbed.
Rosie, who was crying with tears streaming down her face, quickly replied with a laugh.
“His Majesty has prepared a gift for you anyway.”
Rosie said, covering her mouth with one hand and whispering softly.
“And there’s a blue diamond jewel set.”
Judging by the secretive tone in Rosie’s voice, it seemed like the blue diamond jewel set was a gift reserved only for me, Melanie, Catherine, and Pecilini.
Blue diamonds were a specialty produced only in the mines of the Pasha Empire and were considered the most precious gems on the continent.
After Rosie and Melanie wiped each other's tears, she approached Catherine, who was beside her.
"Your Highness Catherine. Goodbye."
"Yes, get some rest. I'll miss you."
Catherine's voice trembled slightly.
Rosie's eyes widened at Catherine's comment that she'd miss her.
Catherine, looking embarrassed, quickly added,
"Very occasionally."
"I'll miss you often,"
Rosie said, grabbing both of Catherine's hands tightly.
Catherine continued to wince, seemingly trying to hold back tears.
Rosie hugged Pecilini, who was wiping away tears beside her, and they exchanged affectionate greetings.
"Your Highness Pecilini, have a safe delivery. I'll pray for you every day."
"Thank you. I hope the Empress has good news soon."
"I'll try,"
Emperor Norton, who was beside Rosie, said, subtly.
The two exchanged greetings with the Lapion Empire's celebratory delegation and finally approached Linel and me.
"Now it's our turn."
Linel offered a handshake to Emperor Norton.
"Thank you for everything, Your Majesty."
Instead, Emperor Norton embraced him tightly.
"Use this kind of force for Empress Rosie."
Linel, with a burdened expression, casually tapped Emperor Norton's shoulder and pushed him away.
"I will repay your kindness, Your Majesty,"
Emperor Norton said with a resolute tone.
"You are reassuring. I will remember that."
Linel shook Emperor Norton's hand and nodded.
Rosie thanked Linel and exchanged a few words before taking my hand and bursting into tears again.
"Your Highness Zelda, I can't believe I won't be able to see you again tomorrow..."
"Then will you come back to the Lapion Empire with me?"
I asked seriously, placing Rosie's hand under my arm.
I felt her slightly try to pull my hand away.
Yeah, you'd hate to be separated from Emperor Norton even more.
I snickered and looked at her, and Rosie smiled back.
"After you give birth, I'll go to the Lapion Empire to visit you. I've already gotten permission from His Majesty."
At Rosie's words, I turned to Emperor Norton to confirm.
"Yes, that's right,"
He nodded in agreement.
"I'm already looking forward to it. Until then, Moiya and Moni will be visiting frequently, so I'll hear news from Your Majesty often, right?"
“Yes, but I’ll still miss you every day,”
Rosie said, hugging me.
Meanwhile, the imperial carriage to take us to the harbor arrived at the entrance to the East Palace, and Rosie finally began to sob.
I patted Rosie on the back and consoled her for a moment.
We’ve been separated for good, so let’s part ways with a smile.
So, let’s not cry,
I promised myself again and again.
After boarding the carriage, I smiled brightly and waved.
Rosie was so overcome with tears in Emperor Norton’s arms that she couldn’t even make eye contact. As the carriage began to move, and Rosie and Emperor Norton disappeared from view, my tear ducts finally broke down.
“Rosie must be missing you so much.”
Linel comforted me, hugging me.
“I already miss hwr. What should I do?”
“Zelda. When we go back, the concubines will disappear one by one. You won’t be crying like this every time, right?”
Oh, Melanie and Catherine will be leaving soon, too.
His words made me even more depressed, and the tears wouldn’t stop.
“I think I’ll be so lonely when all the concubines leave...”
A sudden thought struck me as a bit amusing.
They’re not even my concubines, are they?
And he was speaking as if my own sisters were leaving.
“Then should we bring in new concubines?”
Linel asked, gently stroking my hair.
I lifted my tearful face and glared at him.
“Not for me, but for you. I’m saying this because you said you’re lonely.”
He winked and teased me.
When my expression didn’t soften, he shook my shoulder gently and burst out laughing.
“Just kidding, kidding.”
“You’re not kicking out all the existing concubines because you want to bring in new ones, are you?”
“Now that I can have you all to myself, am I crazy?”
His lips pressed against my forehead and then lifted.
“A powerful rival is about to appear?”
I said with a meaningful expression.
“A powerful rival?”
He asked back with a wary look.
Instead of answering, I took his hand and let him pat my belly.
“Oh, I forgot the biggest troublemaker was inside here.”
Linel chuckled, staring at my belly.
It could be my imagination, but..
As soon as he uttered the word “troublemaker,” it felt like the baby inside my stomach started kicking.
As Bellos had said, Tanya Island was very close to the Pasha Empire.
It took about an hour by boat, but it felt much shorter.
Even the Pasha Empire, located on the southern continent, was about 3-4 degrees Celsius warmer than the Lapion Empire, but Tanya Island was much warmer.
The heat of the sun beating down on Tanya Island 20 minutes before arriving there, was a distinct difference.
It was still midsummer here.
The ship safely docked at Tanya Island Port.
The palm trees lining the harbor told us that we were on an island.
As we disembarked, Hetor’s men, who had been waiting in advance, greeted our group.
"It's a walk from here to the palace. Today's especially cool, making it a good day for walking, but the carriages are already ready, so let's take them."
Hetor said, pointing to the rows of carriages.
No one in the group agreed with Hetor's statement that it was cool today.
If it's this cool, how hot must it usually be?
Sweat was pouring down my face, so I looked up at the sky, wondering if it might rain, but the strong sun was blinding me.
'Huh? What is that...?'
I was nearly blinded by the sight before me.
Everyone in the group shared the same expression.
The weather on Tanya Island is hot, but everything else is cool! I couldn't take my eyes off their clothing. Thin cloth was draped over one shoulder, roughly tied around the waist with a string.
The men's clothing, in particular, was particularly thin and flimsy, revealing a glimpse of their chests with just a raise of an arm or a slight turn of the body.
Moreover, with their legs sticking out all the way to their thighs, it was difficult to know where to look.
I wanted to observe them closely, but it was so hot that if I stayed any longer, I'd have to borrow their clothes.
"It's so hot. Let's go to the palace for now."
Linel said, and the group all climbed into the carriage.
Perhaps the carriage had been built without a roof because of the heat?
Thanks to the open carriage, my eyes raced faster than the carriage itself, taking in the sights of the people.
The attire of the people I met on the way to the palace was equally refreshing.
They all had tanned skin, and something was barely visible through their clothing.
“...I think it was a good decision to come,”
I whispered to him with a grin.
“We’ll just have lunch and leave.”
Linel said absentmindedly, covering my eyes with her hand.
The palace on Tanya Island was austere enough to be called a palace, but it was far more vibrant and spectacular than the dreary imperial palaces on the continent.
Upon arrival, we were led to the banquet hall.
The food served there elicited exclamations from all around.
The Tanya Island royal servants seemed to have gone even more extravagant than usual, catering to the Continent’s royal family and nobles.
The seafood dishes were fresh and plentiful, incomparably more than what I’d find on the continent.
It was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
The refreshing attire of the attendants kept me pausing in my meal.
The concubines' eyes were all fixed downward throughout the meal. Their healthy, tanned legs kept dipping in and out of sight, making it difficult to concentrate on the food.
Unlike the concubines, who were openly watching, I only occasionally glanced down, and surprisingly, Linel caught me each time.
It was unfair...
Why was I the only one being targeted?
Whenever Linel would sneak glances at the women of Tanya Island, I would glare back, trying to reciprocate.
But his gaze was fixed solely on me.
I had no choice but to sneak sidelong glances, and by the end, my eyes were starting to sting.
It was too bad to just eat and leave.
For dessert, a colorful array of mouth-watering tropical fruits was served.
Towards the end of the meal, Hetor briefly left the table and reappeared with a box.
I couldn't understand why it was so red, but it was obvious to anyone that it contained something extraordinary.
"Your Majesty, this is it. You must, absolutely, only look at it when you are alone,"
Hetor whispered.
“Is it that... surprising?”
Linel asked secretly, swallowing hard.
“Yes, so please always watch your rear while you read it.”
“Of course.”
“And I have something to tell you. I think I should stay here for a few months and move the people remaining on Tanya Island to the Principality of Aklatto.”
“Well, that’s your choice, so you don’t need to ask for permission. Then, Melanie will be tied up in the West Palace for now. In a few months, we’ll come back...”
“I don’t want to go either!”
Melanie suddenly shouted, taking a step back.
“I want to stay here with Hetor.”
“Melanie. Just stay at the Lapion Palace for a few months. It’ll be uncomfortable here. I said I’ll come get you when we all move to the Principality of Aklatto?”
Hetor sighed deeply as he spoke to Melanie, but she had been resisting the moment Hetor opened his mouth.
“I told you no. I said we’d stay together?”
“But Melanie. If you’re going to stay here, you’ll have to wear clothes that reveal your body like that, right? You’ll collapse from heatstroke in a dress like that.”
This time, I tried to persuade Melanie with a hint of fear.
“I’m confident in my body, aren’t I? I’m in the early stages of pregnancy, and my belly isn’t even protruding.”
“...”
There was nothing to say.
Melanie pressed Linel again.
“Your Majesty, please leave me alone!”
“I’ve never owned anything, so why should I throw you away?”
Linel replied flatly.
“I want you to throw me away here, right now!”
“Hetor is coming to get you in a few months, so why are you staying in such a hot place?”
“This is much better than the Lapion Imperial Palace!”
Melanie said, linking arms with Hetor.
Hey, Melanie. No matter how much you wanted to stay here, comparing the Lapion Imperial Palace to this place was too harsh.
“...Are you suffering from the heat?”
Linel glanced up at the sun with a dumbfounded expression and asked Melanie.
“No.”
"Then why are you like this?"
"It's not the heat, it's because I'm fed on love."
"..."
Linel couldn't continue speaking, just like me.
Melanie's victory.
Melanie emphasized once again that Tanya Island was close to the Pasha Empire.
“...Melanie. Ask His Majesty about that.”
I gave her a curt reply and went back down the stairs.
I was curious about the place, but it wasn’t something I could decide.
“His Majesty listens to anything Your Highness says, right? Let’s just stop by for a bit. Yes? In-laws~”
Melanie snorted, her pretty face pressed close to my nose as she coaxed me.
If I were a man, I would have been completely taken aback.
I looked at Melanie and thought to myself,
“Where should we stop by?”
Just then, I heard Linel’s voice from above the stairs.
I looked up from the landing and saw Linel, Bellos, and Hetor coming down the stairs together.
They seemed to be coming out of a meeting at Emperor Norton’s office.
Melanie held me hostage and pushed me forward, appealing to him.
“Your Majesty, how about stopping by Tanya Island for a day on our way back to the Lapion Empire? It would be very helpful for Her Highness Zelda’s prenatal care...”
“No,”
Linel cut Melanie off.
“Why?”
Melanie asked with a sour expression, not expecting such an outright rejection.
“There are three pregnant women in our group, so we can’t go any further.”
Linel jokingly snapped his index finger, but his expression was deadly serious.
“Besides, we shouldn’t go to such a dangerous place.”
He, too, seemed to have some prejudice against Tanya Island.
Hetor cleared his throat and quietly spoke.
“Your Majesty, Tanya Island is not a dangerous place.”
Hetor’s voice, following Melanie’s, was filled with regret.
“...What I meant was, I was concerned that pregnant women might lose their stamina on a long journey. Besides, isn’t this island about to sink?”
“It would take years to sink to the sea.”
Hetor answered curtly, then suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!” he slammed his fist into his forehead.
“Oh, oh. I was thinking of stopping by Tanya Island to pick up a few of the novels I’ve finished writing, but... I guess I’ll have to move them later, what should I do... ?” Hetor muttered to himself, and I exchanged glances with him.
Linel, in particular, looked as if he’d discovered a treasure.
“Another novel?”
His blue eyes sparkled, almost radiating light.
“Yes, Your Majesty. The water level is so high that I have to move it myself. But I guess I’ll have to get it later.”
Hetor shrugged helplessly.
The water level is so high?
How high is that?
My ears twitched with curiosity.
Linel was no exception.
He quietly asked Bellos, who was beside him,
“What do you think, Lord of the Tower?”
“Well... It’s only about an hour’s boat ride from here, so I don’t think it’ll be too much trouble.”
Linel and I both twitched at Bellos’s words.
"Well, if that's what the Magic Tower Lord says, then I'll follow suit. It's okay if we stop by for a bite to eat and then head out again."
He spoke as if he completely trusted Bellos's words.
Bellos looked at him with a puzzled look, but he pretended not to notice.
"It's nice to have some books to read for a while. Even though they're not books we can read to our baby,"
He whispered, wrapping his arms around my waist.
***
After breakfast, Empress Elan of the Tebello Empire was the first of the congratulatory delegation to leave the Pasha Empire.
With the entire nation in turmoil following Emperor Adrian's death, Empress Elan's mind was bound to be anxious.
I had said my farewells to Empress Elan in advance in the reception room where the distinguished guests had gathered last night, but my regrets remained.
Fortunately, Empress Elan's expression as she left didn't look too bad. Could it be because of Commander Macrom, who was now by her side?
But I haven't seen Empress Elan properly look at him since Commander Macrom regained his cursed sight.
The same was true for Commander Macrom.
So, when I heard that Empress Elan had nominated Commander Macrom to assist her, I was a bit puzzled.
I don't know who started to avoid eye contact, but something definitely began to feel awkward between them.
According to Raphael, Commander Macrom grumbled about being sent to the Tebello Empire, but never expressed any dislike for going.
Anyway, Empress Elan said she would visit the Lapion Empire to see me and my unborn baby once the imperial family was stable.
I reaffirmed her promise before releasing the hug.
An hour after seeing Empress Elan off, I said goodbye to Empress Katria of the Delroy Empire.
True to her usually outgoing personality, the farewell was cheerful.
Thanks to Empress Katria, my slumped mood lifted.
And now, it was our turn to leave the Pasha Empire.
Rosie and Emperor Norton were waiting for us in the lobby of the East Palace.
Rosie had already cried once on the way to the East Palace.
Emperor Norton was patting Rosie's shoulder, comforting her.
As I descended the stairs with Linel, I met Rosie's reddened eyes.
Ah, I shouldn't cry.
I deliberately smiled brighter and approached Rosie and Emperor Norton.
But the corners of my lips, painfully raised, were eclipsed by sobs from behind.
It must have been Melanie, of course.
“No, Your Majesty, Rosie... When will we see each other again? Huhuhu...”
As expected, Melanie was the first to burst into tears.
“We’ll see each other again in a few months. And I’ll write letters to Moiya and Moni every day.”
Rosie said, tears streaming down her face.
“But... You’re the Empress, so you don’t have anything? Huhu, a gift or something...”
Melanie brought up the subject of gifts even as she sobbed.
Rosie, who was crying with tears streaming down her face, quickly replied with a laugh.
“His Majesty has prepared a gift for you anyway.”
Rosie said, covering her mouth with one hand and whispering softly.
“And there’s a blue diamond jewel set.”
Judging by the secretive tone in Rosie’s voice, it seemed like the blue diamond jewel set was a gift reserved only for me, Melanie, Catherine, and Pecilini.
Blue diamonds were a specialty produced only in the mines of the Pasha Empire and were considered the most precious gems on the continent.
After Rosie and Melanie wiped each other's tears, she approached Catherine, who was beside her.
"Your Highness Catherine. Goodbye."
"Yes, get some rest. I'll miss you."
Catherine's voice trembled slightly.
Rosie's eyes widened at Catherine's comment that she'd miss her.
Catherine, looking embarrassed, quickly added,
"Very occasionally."
"I'll miss you often,"
Rosie said, grabbing both of Catherine's hands tightly.
Catherine continued to wince, seemingly trying to hold back tears.
Rosie hugged Pecilini, who was wiping away tears beside her, and they exchanged affectionate greetings.
"Your Highness Pecilini, have a safe delivery. I'll pray for you every day."
"Thank you. I hope the Empress has good news soon."
"I'll try,"
Emperor Norton, who was beside Rosie, said, subtly.
The two exchanged greetings with the Lapion Empire's celebratory delegation and finally approached Linel and me.
"Now it's our turn."
Linel offered a handshake to Emperor Norton.
"Thank you for everything, Your Majesty."
Instead, Emperor Norton embraced him tightly.
"Use this kind of force for Empress Rosie."
Linel, with a burdened expression, casually tapped Emperor Norton's shoulder and pushed him away.
"I will repay your kindness, Your Majesty,"
Emperor Norton said with a resolute tone.
"You are reassuring. I will remember that."
Linel shook Emperor Norton's hand and nodded.
Rosie thanked Linel and exchanged a few words before taking my hand and bursting into tears again.
"Your Highness Zelda, I can't believe I won't be able to see you again tomorrow..."
"Then will you come back to the Lapion Empire with me?"
I asked seriously, placing Rosie's hand under my arm.
I felt her slightly try to pull my hand away.
Yeah, you'd hate to be separated from Emperor Norton even more.
I snickered and looked at her, and Rosie smiled back.
"After you give birth, I'll go to the Lapion Empire to visit you. I've already gotten permission from His Majesty."
At Rosie's words, I turned to Emperor Norton to confirm.
"Yes, that's right,"
He nodded in agreement.
"I'm already looking forward to it. Until then, Moiya and Moni will be visiting frequently, so I'll hear news from Your Majesty often, right?"
“Yes, but I’ll still miss you every day,”
Rosie said, hugging me.
Meanwhile, the imperial carriage to take us to the harbor arrived at the entrance to the East Palace, and Rosie finally began to sob.
I patted Rosie on the back and consoled her for a moment.
We’ve been separated for good, so let’s part ways with a smile.
So, let’s not cry,
I promised myself again and again.
After boarding the carriage, I smiled brightly and waved.
Rosie was so overcome with tears in Emperor Norton’s arms that she couldn’t even make eye contact. As the carriage began to move, and Rosie and Emperor Norton disappeared from view, my tear ducts finally broke down.
“Rosie must be missing you so much.”
Linel comforted me, hugging me.
“I already miss hwr. What should I do?”
“Zelda. When we go back, the concubines will disappear one by one. You won’t be crying like this every time, right?”
Oh, Melanie and Catherine will be leaving soon, too.
His words made me even more depressed, and the tears wouldn’t stop.
“I think I’ll be so lonely when all the concubines leave...”
A sudden thought struck me as a bit amusing.
They’re not even my concubines, are they?
And he was speaking as if my own sisters were leaving.
“Then should we bring in new concubines?”
Linel asked, gently stroking my hair.
I lifted my tearful face and glared at him.
“Not for me, but for you. I’m saying this because you said you’re lonely.”
He winked and teased me.
When my expression didn’t soften, he shook my shoulder gently and burst out laughing.
“Just kidding, kidding.”
“You’re not kicking out all the existing concubines because you want to bring in new ones, are you?”
“Now that I can have you all to myself, am I crazy?”
His lips pressed against my forehead and then lifted.
“A powerful rival is about to appear?”
I said with a meaningful expression.
“A powerful rival?”
He asked back with a wary look.
Instead of answering, I took his hand and let him pat my belly.
“Oh, I forgot the biggest troublemaker was inside here.”
Linel chuckled, staring at my belly.
It could be my imagination, but..
As soon as he uttered the word “troublemaker,” it felt like the baby inside my stomach started kicking.
***
As Bellos had said, Tanya Island was very close to the Pasha Empire.
It took about an hour by boat, but it felt much shorter.
Even the Pasha Empire, located on the southern continent, was about 3-4 degrees Celsius warmer than the Lapion Empire, but Tanya Island was much warmer.
The heat of the sun beating down on Tanya Island 20 minutes before arriving there, was a distinct difference.
It was still midsummer here.
The ship safely docked at Tanya Island Port.
The palm trees lining the harbor told us that we were on an island.
As we disembarked, Hetor’s men, who had been waiting in advance, greeted our group.
"It's a walk from here to the palace. Today's especially cool, making it a good day for walking, but the carriages are already ready, so let's take them."
Hetor said, pointing to the rows of carriages.
No one in the group agreed with Hetor's statement that it was cool today.
If it's this cool, how hot must it usually be?
Sweat was pouring down my face, so I looked up at the sky, wondering if it might rain, but the strong sun was blinding me.
'Huh? What is that...?'
I was nearly blinded by the sight before me.
Everyone in the group shared the same expression.
The weather on Tanya Island is hot, but everything else is cool! I couldn't take my eyes off their clothing. Thin cloth was draped over one shoulder, roughly tied around the waist with a string.
The men's clothing, in particular, was particularly thin and flimsy, revealing a glimpse of their chests with just a raise of an arm or a slight turn of the body.
Moreover, with their legs sticking out all the way to their thighs, it was difficult to know where to look.
I wanted to observe them closely, but it was so hot that if I stayed any longer, I'd have to borrow their clothes.
"It's so hot. Let's go to the palace for now."
Linel said, and the group all climbed into the carriage.
Perhaps the carriage had been built without a roof because of the heat?
Thanks to the open carriage, my eyes raced faster than the carriage itself, taking in the sights of the people.
The attire of the people I met on the way to the palace was equally refreshing.
They all had tanned skin, and something was barely visible through their clothing.
“...I think it was a good decision to come,”
I whispered to him with a grin.
“We’ll just have lunch and leave.”
Linel said absentmindedly, covering my eyes with her hand.
***
The palace on Tanya Island was austere enough to be called a palace, but it was far more vibrant and spectacular than the dreary imperial palaces on the continent.
Upon arrival, we were led to the banquet hall.
The food served there elicited exclamations from all around.
The Tanya Island royal servants seemed to have gone even more extravagant than usual, catering to the Continent’s royal family and nobles.
The seafood dishes were fresh and plentiful, incomparably more than what I’d find on the continent.
It was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
The refreshing attire of the attendants kept me pausing in my meal.
The concubines' eyes were all fixed downward throughout the meal. Their healthy, tanned legs kept dipping in and out of sight, making it difficult to concentrate on the food.
Unlike the concubines, who were openly watching, I only occasionally glanced down, and surprisingly, Linel caught me each time.
It was unfair...
Why was I the only one being targeted?
Whenever Linel would sneak glances at the women of Tanya Island, I would glare back, trying to reciprocate.
But his gaze was fixed solely on me.
I had no choice but to sneak sidelong glances, and by the end, my eyes were starting to sting.
It was too bad to just eat and leave.
For dessert, a colorful array of mouth-watering tropical fruits was served.
Towards the end of the meal, Hetor briefly left the table and reappeared with a box.
I couldn't understand why it was so red, but it was obvious to anyone that it contained something extraordinary.
"Your Majesty, this is it. You must, absolutely, only look at it when you are alone,"
Hetor whispered.
“Is it that... surprising?”
Linel asked secretly, swallowing hard.
“Yes, so please always watch your rear while you read it.”
“Of course.”
“And I have something to tell you. I think I should stay here for a few months and move the people remaining on Tanya Island to the Principality of Aklatto.”
“Well, that’s your choice, so you don’t need to ask for permission. Then, Melanie will be tied up in the West Palace for now. In a few months, we’ll come back...”
“I don’t want to go either!”
Melanie suddenly shouted, taking a step back.
“I want to stay here with Hetor.”
“Melanie. Just stay at the Lapion Palace for a few months. It’ll be uncomfortable here. I said I’ll come get you when we all move to the Principality of Aklatto?”
Hetor sighed deeply as he spoke to Melanie, but she had been resisting the moment Hetor opened his mouth.
“I told you no. I said we’d stay together?”
“But Melanie. If you’re going to stay here, you’ll have to wear clothes that reveal your body like that, right? You’ll collapse from heatstroke in a dress like that.”
This time, I tried to persuade Melanie with a hint of fear.
“I’m confident in my body, aren’t I? I’m in the early stages of pregnancy, and my belly isn’t even protruding.”
“...”
There was nothing to say.
Melanie pressed Linel again.
“Your Majesty, please leave me alone!”
“I’ve never owned anything, so why should I throw you away?”
Linel replied flatly.
“I want you to throw me away here, right now!”
“Hetor is coming to get you in a few months, so why are you staying in such a hot place?”
“This is much better than the Lapion Imperial Palace!”
Melanie said, linking arms with Hetor.
Hey, Melanie. No matter how much you wanted to stay here, comparing the Lapion Imperial Palace to this place was too harsh.
“...Are you suffering from the heat?”
Linel glanced up at the sun with a dumbfounded expression and asked Melanie.
“No.”
"Then why are you like this?"
"It's not the heat, it's because I'm fed on love."
"..."
Linel couldn't continue speaking, just like me.
Melanie's victory.
Comments
Post a Comment