Chapter 43

The Emperor’s permission is necessary to have an audience with him. Family members were no exception, not to mention the aristocracy he is associated with.

As Ains remembers, the Emperor was always willing to welcome him. But that was a long time ago.

As the disease became more and more severe, the Emperor now has been ordering everyone, even his eldest son, Ains, to come next time.

‘I wonder if he’ll be very sick today.’

This week alone, he already had been rejected two times. As he was waiting with a heavy heart, the emperor’s chamberlain, who supported the emperor, returned and announced his answer.

“His Majesty wants to see you.”

Ains hurriedly followed his footsteps at the good news. Unlike the bright corridors, the emperor’s bedroom was as dark as night.

The room was lighted with only several lanterns and the bitter smell of the medicinal herbs reek everywhere.

The person in the room is not only the emperor. Empress Clopedia is sitting in a chair right next to the bed with a bowl of medicine.

There is a slight frown on her forehead, but she quickly returned to her usual expression, Ains walked up close spoke his greetings.

“I’m here, Your Majesty.”

Empress Clopedia, who stood up from her seat, walked brushed past Ains.

“Come on in.”

The emperor received his son while sitting on the bed. However there’s a thick curtain draped over his bed, so Ains can only hear his voice.

“Yes, what brings you here?”

“I’m here to report on the inspection. I’m going to look around the southern part of the country this year.”

“The Southern Region?”

“Yes, there have been reports that the new lord of Dasca is involved in severe exploitation. The toll on the sea road has also increased significantly, and there are many complaints in the nearby area.”

“Any tribute to the capital?”

“It’s just the way it is.”

“Hmm.”

A groan of disapproval came over from the golden curtains.

To raise taxes in areas classified as state-run businesses, the government must obtain permission from the imperial court.

Of course, it can be overlooked to some extent, but the fact that it’s reported means that it is serious enough.

“It would be better to stop this quickly…Good. Go there this year.”

“I’ll follow your orders,”

Then Ains briefly reported on the inspection schedule. The emperor, who was listening silently, expressed his trust by saying, “I leave it to you”.

By the moment when he was about to leave the office with confidence, an unexpected remark stopped Ains’ footsteps.

“I heard you did something unlike yourself during your birthday banquet.”

He slowly looked back, however, because of the curtain, he still couldn’t make up his father’s expression.

He knew that the emperor is not clueless about this situation. Although he already took a step back from politics, it was obvious that he had many eyes and ears on the people around him.

And even if that’s not the case, it was not surprising at all. I’m sure the empress would have told you so.

“It was imprudent of you to drag Marquis Dmitri for a woman.”

Ains chose silence instead of making excuses.

At that time, the reason Maria was chosen as his first dance partner for the ball was not because he liked her.

At the same time, it was an unavoidable choice in order to deter Roselia’s defiance, who was openly trying to pretend to be the crown princess and to withhold his marriage for a while.

Even now, the empress could not give up her greed and was urging the emperor to marry him and Roselia as soon as possible. Just thinking about the fact makes his body feel heavy as if a big stone was placed on his back.

The political marriage of the ruling class was no different from fate, and Ains was well aware of the necessity.

But it’s impossible if it’s Roselia.

He can already see what the end will be like if he marries her.

“Do you like her that much?”

“…Pardon?”

He was busy in his thoughts, so he answered a beat late. Of course, he was already expecting to be scolded but that question was completely unexpected.

“You’re an adult, so there must be a couple of girls you like. I won’t get involved in that.”

He tried to answer that it wasn’t like that, but Ains’ mouth didn’t open.

‘The woman I like.’

The more he thought of it, the more he had no reason to deny it.

Thanks to this, Ains clearly realized. He wondered why he kept caring about Maria, and he always wanted to see only her smiling face.

He wondered why he felt so down when he heard that she had someone she likes, or whenever he looks at Gerard happily talking about her.

Without realizing it, his hand slowly went up to his chest. His heart was pounding and it was definitely a kind of pounding he had never felt before.

But the joy of enlightenment was also brief. Before he could even think about the future, words like a sudden bolt from the Emperor continued.

“Now get ready to receive Marquis Winston’s eldest daughter as the crown princess.”

You know that feeling when you know it will eventually happen but it still surprises you when it finally happens?

That’s exactly how I feel right now.

Gerard, who came to the palace a while ago, is currently saying goodbye, saying he was going back to Brittany.

“See you again, Maria.”

“Yes, take care.”

“….No matter how much I think about it, I feel regretful.”

Gerard didn’t answer me when I asked him what he meant by muttering meaningless words. Instead, he held out a big box and a small velvet pouch to me.

“What is this?”

“It’s a farewell gift.”

“Really? But I didn’t prepare anything… you should have told me you were going today.”

“I’m didn’t tell you because I’m afraid you’ll cry became upset.”

“What.”

I glared at him jokingly then we started laughing in unison. Gerard immediately reached out his hand and asked for a handshake, and I energetically held his hand and promised to meet him again next time.

After seeing Gerard off and coming back to my room, only a strange silence welcomed me. I walked to the window and sat on the chair helplessly.

“……what day is it today?”

Coco has fully recovered so I already sent him back to the Winston’s mansion, Gerard’s on his way back to his own country.

I guess I’ve grown quite attached to him without knowing. It feels just like an old friend left me and my heart feels empty.

Oh, Gerard gave me a present just now.

I reached straight up on the table. When I opened the lid of the box that looked like a jewelry box, it contained a set of necklace and earrings as expected.

“Wow, the stones are huge.”

The red jewel on the necklace looks like as big as the size of Ruri. I closed the lid of the box and this time reached out for another gift.

When I untied the knot in the black pouch, I saw a small bottle in it.

What is this?

I opened the lid while looking around. At the same time, there was a short silence.

“…….”

There was a familiar object inside. Small pills that look like goat poop.

It was a medicine for motion sickness that I got from him while we’re on the ship a long time ago.

I looked down and laughed briefly.

“Anyway, he’s not a normal person.”

It doesn’t look like a normal gift base on its container, so I was curious about what he was thinking, but I never thought he’ll give me medicine as a gift.

Well, it was good handmade medicine.

I’m sure I’ll found it useful someday.

I put the medicine in the pouch once again and tied the knot, then I heard Linda’s voice outside the door.

“Miss Maria, His Highness the Crown Prince has asked to see you.”

Huh? Ains? At this hour?

“Tell him I’ll be right there!”

After putting my pouch in the desk drawer, I hurried to the drawing-room.

Ains was standing by the window. He looked back first before I could even ask.

“What are you doing here?”

I think I already asked this question yesterday… but it seems that I’m seeing Ains’ face more often recently.

“Just because. I wanted to come.”

Linda came in, opening the door silently. Soon a pretty tea set and cookies were placed on the table, and Ains and I sat face to face on the sofa.

Hmm, the tea is delicious.

The subtle scent of flowers lingered in my mouth.

Unlike me, Ains didn’t touch the teacup. He stared at me silently and opened his mouth slowly.

“How’s your preparation going?”

“It’s done!”

I’m finally leaving for Adella tomorrow. The preparations were smooth. I don’t have much luggage. After all, I’m going to ride a carriage because I have enough money, and I already sent a letter to Maria’s parents in advance.

I haven’t told Glick yet. I was going to going to tell him after lunch later.

“Just ask me if you need anything.”

“Yes, then please take care of the Glick while I’m gone.”

Then Ains’ face came to my view with a smile on his face.

“I’m the one who used to raise that guy.”

Oh, right…

“It’s because he’s so lovable.”

“Who’s the one who ordered me on to apply the medicine before because he’s closer to me in the first place?”

“Well, who did that?”

I took another sip from the cup of tea and responded brazenly. After eating a crispy cookie,

I brought it up first this time.

“Anyway, what’s the matter, Your Highness? You don’t look very well.”

I felt a heavy atmosphere for some reason. I can’t pinpoint it, but I think he’s worried about something.

Ah, is it because Gerard left?

I was also in vain, but I think he feels worse than me. Well, I heard that they are close friends after all.

“The palace seems quiet without Gerard.”

Ains crinkled his brows. It quickly straightened back, but I definitely saw it. He frowned.

That means he doesn’t like something. I guess my guess was right.

I held back my laughter and asked Ains.

“It feels empty, isn’t it?”

“No.”

Huh? Really?

“Don’t you feel empty?”

“Not at all. I don’t feel empty at all.”

I was right, you feel empty.

I thought he would feel more upset if I said it out loud, so I decided to pretend I didn’t know anything.

“If….”

“What?”

“What if I told you I’m getting married?”

It hardened slightly as I bit the cookie. I couldn’t answer readily and only blinked. What kind of conversation is this?  Isn’t the topic change too sudden?

Faced with a glaring look, I replied belatedly.

“Uh…umm…of course I should congratulate you, right?”

I was not confident in answering. Because I know how much Ains hates Roselia.

Is it because of Ains’ serious expression? I felt uneasy for no reason. It’s a political marriage, so it can’t be helped, but no matter what I think, Ains was 100 times, no and 1,000 times more precious. Roselia doesn’t deserve him.

“Congratulations….”

I murmured like I was talking to myself since I don’t really know what else to say. I can’t say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry about that.’ after all.

Ains let out a deep sigh then he rose from his seat.

“Take a rest.”

“Ah, wait…!”

I tried to hurriedly stop him, but he left without looking back.

Left alone, I held a teacup in a sullen mood.

Isn’t that the answer he wanted? Should I have just laughed and said “It must’ve been hard for you.”? But I think that’s worse.

“Maria, it’s almost time for Glick to eat.”

“Okay, I’ll go out!”

I put down the teacup and got up from my seat. I’ll think about it again after I get back. I don’t want to be uncomfortable with him.

ASDSJF HE REALIZED HE LIKES HER~~ Poor Ains. Imagine being force to marry a dumb dumb obsessive bish and wanting to get comforted by your crush but she started talking about your rival instead…poor guy.