Chapter 88

“How should the Savior’s quarters be?”

Everyone present was troubled after hearing Noah’s question.

“It would be better not to be known until she was officially introduced.”

“I agree. Now, not only Duke Otien but also Princess Medicis is here.”

“The negotiators who said they were coming for a trade agreement?”

“It’s been a few days since they arrived.”

“Hmm, did you say that the Second Prince was the representative? That means that the Princess will be more arrogant.”

Saying so, Declan furrowed his eyebrows in displeasure.

“Is Princess Este doing well? Did anything happen in between?”

Still, I was always worried about whether Stella would be okay while I was away.

“There were a few things, but luckily everything is well.”

Mason’s face darkened at my question.

“What else has Princess Medicis done?”

The incidents in the original story were resolved in advance, so what else happened? When I heard the story, he explained that she was constantly targeting Stella using poison and magic.

“If the Savior hadn’t told me in advance, it would have been a disaster.”

“I’m glad she was still safe.”

Mason smiled slightly as he stroked his chest in relief. At the same time, I suddenly felt happy because I wondered if there had been any progress between him and Stella.

“She is my benefactor. She is someone I have to protect.”

If it wasn’t for Stella, I would have known neither Epist nor Kefiena.

“Let’s talk about Princess Este here and decide where you should live first.”

It was Declan who turned the topic back to the lengthy story.

“Then, why don’t you stay at the Duke’s residence?”

“No.”

As Mason looked rather puzzled by Declan’s resolute words, meanwhile, Noah nodded his head, expectant of it.

“However, if she stays at the Imperial Palace, rumors will come out.”

“You can stay with me in my room.”

“…Don’t you think that’s going to get more attention?”

Mason rubbed his forehead when Declan didn’t break his stubbornness.

“If the engagement is known, they will be eager to undermine the Savior somehow.”

“I get anxious when she’s away from me.”

“She is safe with the Duke.”

“No. By my side is the safest. Find some way else.”

As he thought he couldn’t convince Declan, Mason glanced at me, begging for help.

‘Ugh, who would be able to stop that stubbornness?’

“Your Majesty, it’s still too early to use a room as you said.”

“Did we even have an engagement?”

“How would I look if I had the title of a saint and shared a room with Your Majesty before we got married?”

Declan furrowed his eyebrows as if he knew what I meant.

“A noble maiden will be talked about, will you make people criticize me more?”

“I should have killed them all right away.”

Exhaled, he clenched his tightly closed jaws. Seeing Declan like that, I decided to open my mouth again.

“I don’t want to be separated from Your Majesty either. So…”

As I trailed my words, everyone’s attention was on me.

“…How about staying in the next room?”

The third floor of the main palace, where the Emperor’s bedroom was located, could not be entered by just anyone. Saying so, I blinked at Mason. He then hurriedly agreed as he thought it was better than using a single room, even though he was terrified.

“I think the way the Savior said now is the best way to stay in the Imperial Palace.”

Declan frowned as he didn’t like it but eventually nodded his head.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

As I kissed Declan’s cheek lightly, I heard a gasp in the air behind me.

“Cough, what about the attendance? Currently, there are no handmaids in the Imperial Palace, right?”

Noah peered up at me, perplexed as the chief attendant.

“Since you are engaged to your Majesty, all of the attendants must come from noble families.”

“There is one suitable person.”

“Who are you talking about?”

Noah asked with a puzzled look.

“Princess Este.”

“Your Majesty, what nonsense are you talking about?”

…For a princess of a country to be a handmaid.

‘Even if she was a hostage—!’

Although I was going to argue right away, Declan’s words were faster.

“The Empress’s handmaid must come from a noble family, and among them, only those who have high status and have passed strict screening can do so.”

Objectively, throughout history, the Empress’s handmaid was an honorable position, and many wanted it. Even though Stella was a princess, her status in her empire was comparable to that of a great noble.

“Being the Empress’s handmaid is rather an honor for the Princess. Besides, she has a reason to stay here, so it’s a good thing.”

If that happened, we might naturally protect Stella.

“First, I’ll ask the Princess.”

It seemed that Mason thought the same thing. He took a step back.

“If the Princess met Erica, she would rather voluntarily step up to the position.”

Mason, unaware of the circumstances, was puzzled but gave no further comment.

‘Yes, it would be better to meet and discuss this in person.’

Not only that, but it was also because Stella hadn’t even met the Kefienas who had come with me yet.

“Your Majesty, I will meet Princess Este in person.”

Surprisingly, Declan readily agreed.

“Then, I will report in detail about government affairs tomorrow.”

“I will go out with you.”

* * *

“I’m a little tired today.”

Even if we traveled by horse-drawn carriage, the long-distance trip was quite physically demanding. Besides, I was so nervous the whole time because of the attack, so there was pain here and there.

“You must be tired.”

Declan grabbed me and headed to the sofa.

I didn’t want to move from his arms, perhaps because the tension was relieved. As I fully reclined and stretched, he supported me firmly and stroked my back.

“If I had known this would happen, I would have told them to prepare a room in advance.”

“You didn’t even think about using a separate room.”

“That’s true.”

As I smiled at his innocent acknowledgment, I heard his laughter above my head.

“The wedding must be done quickly.”

“Will the nobles let it be? They were all aiming for the seat next to Your Majesty.”

“It would be nice to let them know clearly that this is a vain dream.”

The thought of confronting Duke Otien and Jennifer, as well as those who were aiming for the Empress position, brought a sigh.

“…I must be quite hated.”

“Still, don’t abandon me. I’ll clean it up as soon as possible.”

My heart sank as I watched him pleading with the corners of his eyes drooping.

“When am I going to leave Your Majesty?”

As I uttered so and hugged him tightly, Declan hugged me and smiled softly.

“I will defeat both Duke Otien and Princess Medicis.”

The warmth passing through my clothes made me more and more drowsy.

“You just need to stay by my side.”

I wanted to answer him, but in the end, I fell asleep.

* * *

“You must have been very tired.”

Hearing the sound of her breathing, she seemed to be in a deep sleep. It was a relief to see that Erica returned to the Imperial Palace safely and unharmed. If he had been alone, he would have had little thought of the attack, but with her, he could not relax for a moment.

‘If her existence is known, then how many more threats will come.’

Without realizing it, strength entered his arm that was holding Erica.

“…This time, I’ll definitely protect you. I’ll never lose you.”

Even now, there were times when he was afraid that he was dreaming. Every time he did, he checked her warmth… that she was alive, that she was by his side. Even now, there was the warmth that filled his arms and the breath that tickled his throat.

‘…Can I enjoy this kind of happiness?’

Suddenly, he remembered those who had fallen by his swords.

‘Is it okay for me to be with God’s representative?’

For a moment, fear arose. It felt like God was going to take Erica away because he didn’t deserve it. Declan had never believed in the existence of God in his life, but now, he couldn’t help but admit it.

‘God, please, please allow at least Erica…’

He didn’t care if his own soul would be torn apart if only she could be by his side. Right now, neither the throne nor revenge was significant in front of her.

‘Give me the strength to protect your representative.’

He begged and begged with all his heart.

* * *

“Your Majesty, we are ready.”

With Noah’s voice, he opened his eyes, which had been closed just then.

“Is she asleep?”

Noah asked, glancing at Erika in Declan’s arms.

“Yes.”

He grabbed her carefully and moved her to the room next door. It was a room that had never been used, so there was a chill atmosphere.

“Unhh.”

Perhaps because she had changed her position, Erica tossed over as she lay on the bed. As he gently patted her, her grimacing face loosened.

‘You look so lovely even when she is asleep.’

He gazed at her silently, and then he kissed her on the forehead and took a step.

“Until the handmaid is confirmed, Hans will be here.”

“I want him to be very careful.”

“Yes, of course.”

“By the way, wasn’t this room and my room connected in the past?”

“It was used that way in the previous generation, but I know that the previous Emperor closed it again.”

“Good. Reconnect it again.”

Confused by the firm answer, Noah only frowned.

“Do it as soon as possible.”

The green eyes returning to the bedroom shone faintly.

“…Understood.”