Chapter 110 - Welcome Back, Evelyn

After revealing the truth before the Noble Congress, Fabian immediately took the next step quickly and precisely. He made such a careful strategy that Duke Metis could not fend off him for deviating from the palace rules.

“The Crown Prince and Princess Evelyn will stay in her previous Palace.”

“Previous…..You mean, Empress’ Palace?” The Palace chief looked puzzled.

“I’ve temporarily revoked the ‘Empress’ title from this Palace.” Fabian seemed relaxed.

While several nobles disagreed, the Emperor’s decision was imperial law. Thus, when he said he had revoked the Empress’ title, the historical building, known as the Empress’s Palace, was now just an ordinary building within the Imperial Palace.

“So, there’s no problem if that Palace is occupied by Adrian, my own son, and Evelyn Felice, his biological mother, who will become the Empress soon.”

Fabian’s order was very explicit. He didn’t want to let Evelyn and his son, whose whereabouts had already known, lived in a stuffy, lightless place. Apart from that, he also wanted to emphasize that Evelyn was the sole master of the Empress Palace.

“Why, do you have anything more to say?” Fabian asked.

The Palace Chief’s eyes were lit up. Technically, there was no problem with that. But…

“Oh, it’s…” The Chief stopped himself from saying more and chose to obey the power that was before his eyes.

Fabian looked satisfied and rested his hand on his chin. The Empress’ Palace was known as the noblest and most elegant place in the Inner Palace. Besides, now, the Empress Dowager was taking Stella and used one of the largest buildings in Inner Palace. Of course, it was only when the Empress’ Palace was excluded.

“After all, I came to a conclusion.” Fabian twisted the corners of his mouth and laughed. “There are people who know only when they see it with their own eyes.”

Those cynical words were directed against those who could not give up their ascendancy, including his own mother.

“Well, everyone will realize it soon.”

“Yes.” Serus nodded his head bluntly.

“Then let’s go.”

“… Oh Yes? It’s still Your Majesty’s working time to do your official duties. After that, there’s a schedule to meet the Prime Minister.”

“Oh, I had changed the schedule. Isn’t there something more important than that?” Fabian said calmly. Serus had a curious look on his face, thinking about his master, who indeed had changed.

But Fabian ignored him and got up from his seat, “Today is the day Evelyn returns to the Empress’ Palace.”

Fabian quickly strode towards the Inner Palace. He promised he wouldn’t leave her alone anymore. He was still poor to understand people’s feelings, but he was sure of what he had to keep.

Since he let her go easily in the past, he wanted to meet Evelyn and accompany her on her way back to her Palace.

It was the day Fabian had been waiting for.

Perhaps since they stayed in the Chamber of Secret for a long time, the sunshine outside felt dazzling and brilliant.

Evelyn and her entourage left the secret chamber first. They prepared to officially enter the world in the Inner Palace’s living room.

Soon the Palace Chief knocked. Nora opened the door and greeted him in a formal example that didn’t diminish the Empire’s dignity.

The Chief then bowed his head, “By His Majesty’s orders, I will welcome Prince Adrian and his mother, Princess Evelyn Felice.”

As the living room door opened wide, the maids and servants lined up neatly in the long corridor to carry out the welcoming procession. Much as when she became the Empress for the first time, Evelyn was still stunned to be greeted by this large crowd.

Apart from the Emperor, it was the largest number of attendants in the Imperial Palace. Of course, the noble wives stood at the forefront of the maids.

“I took the lead of the maids. Please…… Please accept my lack of service. “

Evelyn frowned at the familiar face before her eyes. Among the three ugly-sisters, who harassed her terribly when she was the Empress, Countess Herenia attracted Evelyn’s attention.

Whether it was due to embarrassment over the disgrace she had received in the Felice Kingdom or because of Evelyn’s rapidly changing position, her face looked very pale.

“It…It should be a noble wife with a higher position who deserves this position more than me …… But Lady, I mean Marchioness Satin is absent because she still reflects on the teachings that the Princess has given her.”

Countess Herenia trembled as if she had been stabbed by something sharp. Evelyn felt more bitterness than excited when she looked at the Countess who bent her body. Nothing changed, but Evelyn recalled the traumatic memory she felt over her previous treatment.

“Oh, congratulations! As His Majesty temporarily revoked the Empress’ title, so the Palace is now called as the “Star Palace,” so allow me to take you there, Princess. His Majesty’s love is so overflowing … What a joy of the world!”

Evelyn’s mouth was numb, looking at the countess’s forced-smile with cold eyes, “And maybe someone’s grief.”

“Yes? Oh, it can’t be. Who dares to think like that…….”

“Are you asking me while you know who?” Seeing her hypocritical forced smile made Evelyn angrier than the cold and humiliation she had received in the past. If Countess Herenia had kept her real attitude to the end, Evelyn might have taken it lightly.

“Let the Palace Chief take over the guide. The Countess doesn’t need to accompany me.”

“Pri…Princess…….”

According to the Imperial rule, the noble wife had to lead the maids and small affairs of the Inner Palace. It was an honor and a duty and an opportunity to prove loyalty to the Imperial family.

If the Countess was kicked out of here, she would be the laughingstock of the Empire. For a person who had the title of Countess, the social world’s evaluation was as important as her life.

“The Countess Herenia I know is Marchioness Satin’s follower. So how could she suddenly follow in her footsteps and be able to lead so many people?” said Evelyn firmly.

“That’s a misunderstanding. I actually really admired the Princess very much since before. But I was forced to obey Marchioness Satin because I couldn’t against her power and influence.”

“Oh, not only following her back but even obeying her”

Only then did the Countess realized her slip of the tongue and quickly quieted her mouth. She thought that innocent-Evelyn wouldn’t pick up on her words, but her prediction was wrong.

Right now, the Princess in front of her wasn’t the same person. Evelyn was as impressive as any other Imperial woman. She was also really different from the time when she humiliated Marchioness Satin in the Felice Kingdom before.

“Besides, I won’t give my way to you.” Evelyn no longer hesitated. At first glance, Evelyn’s side face expression reflected Fabian’s arrogant look. “More than anything, the precious Prince Adrian is also on the way with me.”

Evelyn waved her hand lightly and sent an eye-signal to the Palace Chief. The Chief immediately understood the meaning and immediately halted the Countess.

Countess Herenia gave Evelyn a look of despair. Still, Evelyn immediately turned her back. She smiled brightly as she looked at Adrian, who was holding Nora’s hand. “I don’t think the Countess will be able to carry out this important job because she’s not feeling well.”

Indeed, the Palace Chief, who had trained in the long Imperial life, was quick-witted. “Countess, there seems to be another suitable person; I’d better ask you for another job.”

While Countess Herenia was shaking, The Palace Chief turned politely towards Rebecca, standing behind Evelyn. Rebecca, who grabbed the meaning, immediately nodded and graciously stepped forward.

At first, she wanted to give the Countess an insult, but now Rebecca was even more excited, admiring Evelyn’s doings. “Princess, may I lead the way for you and the Prince?”

Now, no one cared about Countess as Evelyn smiled broadly at Rebecca with trust and affection, “Sure. Rather, I am grateful.”

“It’s an honor for me, too.”

A bright atmosphere bloomed like flowers between the two women. The Palace Chief quickly ordered the countless servants and maids, except the Countess, to re-arrange the line-up.

“Adrian.” Called Evelyn brightly, seeing Adrian, who was taking Nora’s hand. Then Adrian ran pretty fast, approaching her, and then he held her hand first. Evelyn felt proud that her awkward toddler had become quite skillful now.

“We’re going to a new home.” As she whispered a little to Adrian’s ear, the child’s eyes grew round in joy.

“What about the hawk? What about Jimoo?”

“Shh….” Evelyn slightly covered Adrian’s mouth and kissed him on the forehead as he was about to babble.

“Well, shall we take you now?” Rebecca asked, gazing lovingly at Evelyn and Adrian.

But strangely enough, the procession was very quiet.

“I’m sorry before, but I’m afraid you have to give up that role.”

Fabian’s voice suddenly rang through the long corridor. When Rebecca turned her back to set an example, the rest of the attendants had already bent their knees towards him.

“If he’s Your Majesty…… I can’t help it,” said Rebecca with a faint smile.

“Thank you. For everything.” Fabian walked past Rebecca, expressing his heartfelt gratitude. At this moment, Rebecca doubted her ears whether he was the Emperor she knew, but unfortunately, she couldn’t ask him.

“Ah, Jimoo!” Adrian greeted him more enthusiastically than anyone else. Fabian then stared at Evelyn with gentle eyes, trying to convey his feelings instead of countless words.

“Jimoo, we’re going! To a new home, black hawk house!”

While everyone in the corridor was shocked, Fabian quickly hugged the child. Compared to Evelyn’s arms, that hyperactive child looked small in Fabian’s embrace.

“Still, you still have a lot to learn,” Fabian said, looking at Adrian with a tender smile.

“Adrian will go now!”

“I’ll go with you.”

Adrian’s eyes bulged, soon he burst into laughter in a low, friendly voice.

“Do you mind if I go with you?” Fabian, who was carrying Adrian, glanced slightly at Evelyn. He seemed so clumsy to ask her permission to do so.

In truth, he wanted to know what Evelyn was thinking, as the place they were going to now was more than just a place for him. It was the place where they spent their previous married life.

“Together…Can I….?” Fabian hesitated and reached out a hand to her. No one knew, but his fingertip shook finely.

With a faint smile, Evelyn nodded slowly, looking at him, “Of course.” After that, she reached out and grabbed Fabian’s trembling hand, “Your Majesty should come to….with us.”

A smile of relief spread over Fabian’s face. He couldn’t conceal his emotions, and he squeezed Evelyn’s hand so hard that she was hurt.

“His Majesty, the Emperor, Princess Evelyn, and the Crown Prince are coming!” The Palace Chief blew the trumpet in time and shouted with great spirit.

The lavish procession began to move slowly.

Fabian kept hugging Adrian in one arm while he held Evelyn’s with his other hand, walking through the beautiful garden and down the Inner Palace’s long corridor.

They didn’t even seem to care about other people’s gazes, as Rebecca and Nora deliberately looked at that sight from a distance, far from that family of three.

“Long time no see,” Evelyn whispered softly to the sight of the Empress’ Palace before her eyes.

“Yes…..It’s been a long time.” Fabian replied in silence.

The Empress Palace, which had lost its owner, remained lonely in the Imperial Palace. As if it were an image of herself.

“But you’re back now, so it’s all right.” Fabian lifted his black eyes and looked at Evelyn fondly, “It’s so long….this Palace had waited for a long time, but now that you’re back, so everything’s fine.”

It was a long way back. It couldn’t be said that they both had the same heart and mind. But all this time, they had suffered and were sick of each other.

“I missed this moment.”

Evelyn was back to this place. It was the moment Fabian had been waiting for in his solitude.

“I am.”

Evelyn’s transparent blue eyes looked at Fabian and the white Palace that spread over behind his shoulders.

It was a place she really hated and filled with misery. But unlike in her memories, this sight with Fabian’s presence now was beautiful.

“Perhaps…”

Evelyn sensed the longing bloomed in her heart. She realized some yearning could only be felt when they met each other.

“No, I must have missed you,” she said.

Her words filled Fabian’s eyes with sweetness.

“We were missing the same thing.”

Evelyn was relieved and happy with that alone. She didn’t feel the loneliness and grueling remorse alone. There seemed to be new flesh growing over her deep wound.

“I’ll continue to do so in the future,” Fabian muttered low. “I wish to live my whole life missing you.”

“Even if I already come back?”

“Still, I’ll always miss you and never let go of you.”

Fabian took a small step forward and gently pulling Evelyn’s wrist. Then she easily crossed the borders of the Empress Palace.

“Welcome back, Evelyn.”

It was the words he really wanted to say.

“I’ve been waiting…..”

Fabian, who barely managed to convey the words, hugged Evelyn with Adrian together.