CH 46

Duke Bledel mentioned the farm in a sneering tone. I opened my eyes wide and looked surprised as if I had never heard of it.

“That is quite unexpected.”

“Looking at your face pretending not to know without blinking an eye, you look pretty much like an empress now.”

“Anyway, even if that’s true, I am also a part of the Bledel family, so it shouldn’t matter, right? And it’s just a farm…… Don’t think you’ve been unjustly deprived of it, father.”

“My dear, I’m only saying this out of concern for you. I know it’s not easy to manage a farm, so if you have any difficulties, ask me.”

“I’ll do my best to prevent that from happening.”

Duke Bledel’s creepy grin deepened.

“That day, they say the empress disappeared from the palace.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

When I responded with a puzzled look, his bloodshot eyes flashed coldly.

“You’re such a lucky kid in many ways.”

He paused, his eyes unfocused, as if lost in memories.

“Have you ever wondered who your real father is?”

The low, unpleasant tone of his voice made me feel unpleasant. The story of Lethenia’s birth was a fatal weakness for Duke Bledel.

Being born without a clear origin, deceiving the royal family, and ascending to the position of empress would be considered a grave crime. The entire Bledel family would be executed, including me, the empress.

“It seems that talking about it won’t benefit either of us.”

“I wonder if the Emperor will protect you until the end. From what I’ve seen today, it looks like you’re not going to be able to preserve your position on your own.”

“I will find my own way to survive.”

An invisible chill seemed to envelope the room. The Duke left his seat and went to Rachel’s side.

Next to his lovely wife, Duke Bledel looked like quite the doting husband. The light reflected off her white dress, making Rachel’s radiant face even more charming with a clear smile.

On the surface, they seemed like a perfect couple. Who would have thought that such an innocent-looking woman would do such things behind his back?

It turns out that people are always more than meets the eye.

Someday, Duke Bledel will see what she was really made of. Just then, Duke Bledel swayed dizzily.

The champagne glass he was holding shattered. At that moment, all eyes were on Duke Bledel.

They weren’t just concerned about his health; his physical condition was a crucial factor that could change the political situation in Asha in an instant.

The corners of the Emperor’s faction’s mouths lifted slightly. Next to Duke Bledel, who was sweating profusely, Rachel’s face was pale.

“Y, you’ve been working too much lately and are exhausted; go rest; you’ll be fine soon.”

Rachel consciously raised her voice as if for everyone to hear. Then, she supported her husband and hurriedly left the scene.

Ian watched them keenly.

*****

The shouts and applause of the people brought me to my senses. Ian and Rosetin’s dance was over. Even though I knew that this was the place for the main characters, I felt lost.

As I became aware of the shift in emotions, my heart started pounding harder, and intense emotions made me feel like I was suffocating.

My emotions were many times more intense than usual. The intimacy between the emperor and his mistress was so intense that everyone was watching the empress’s every move.

My first impulse was to throw the champagne glass out of my hand. I took a deep breath, trying to control my expression.

‘Let’s calm down. One, two, three…….’

I count slowly to calm my anger. I can’t afford to show any signs of agitation here.

I started to break out in a cold sweat as I felt like I was about to explode. Stella, who had been waiting a few feet away, sensed my distress and cautiously approached me.

“Your Majesty, are you okay?”

“I’m not feeling well today.”

I thought it would be better to leave the seat quickly even if it causes a bit of gossip. Just then, Ian suddenly shifted his gaze to me.

Unconsciously, I made eye contact with him and my senses seemed to sharpen. I was about to stand up from my chair when the doors to the banquet hall swung open.

Dazzling sunlight pours through. Naturally, everyone’s eyes turned toward it.

A figure descended the stairs, a brilliant halo behind him giving off a mysterious aura, causing everyone in the banquet hall to stare in wonder.

With each step, the familiar face grew closer and closer. The unpleasant feelings that I hadn’t been able to control a moment ago took a different turn, making my heart skip a beat.

He strode across the center of the banquet hall and spoke to me.

“I’ve missed you, Your Majesty.”

Theo fell on one knee and kissed my hand. His appearance made me feel strange as if I were the main character here.

Numerous curious eyes in the banquet hall turned toward me. People began to murmur.

Already, rumors about the relationship between the Empress and the young Marquis Claflin were circulating among the nobility. There is no one here who does not know that he is my lover.

Theo seemed unperturbed by the uncomfortable attention around him. The stares of others seemed to matter little to him.

As he approached, I felt a mixture of emotions that confused me. I felt uncomfortable but not unwilling…… to be the center of attention like this, embarrassed but somehow excited.

“I thought you still had some time before your return…….”

“I was in a bit of a hurry for Her Majesty.”

Theo’s eyes crinkled pleasantly. According to the original schedule, he was supposed to arrive in about two weeks.

I remembered the spirit of the notebook, casually delivering its dire words. He must have traveled through the waterways, through the dreaded habitat of Nira, to arrive so quickly.

Did the spirit harass him again for the sake of his master? But looking at him now, seemingly unharmed, selfish thoughts crossed my mind, thinking maybe it wasn’t as dangerous as it seemed.

To be honest, I felt a bit guilty but also delighted to see him.

“Did the spirit give you any trouble?”

“Not necessarily,…… but I couldn’t stay still when I found out that Ms. Bedos would officially be a mistress. I couldn’t help but wonder if it would make Her Majesty feel a little better if I could be there for her.”

The warm comfort of Theo’s voice made my hardened heart melt a little. He smiled brightly.

Maybe it was the mood, but his ever-present smile made my heart flutter today. Secretly, I had the urge to offer the smallest of compliments to the spirit that must have annoyed him so much.

No, I should probably yell at him for bothering a busy man behind my back. A strange mix of emotions lingered in my mind that I couldn’t quite put into a single word.

Then I saw Ian walking towards me. His face was expressionless, but his blue eyes glowed with fierce hostility toward Theo.

Was Theo, who suddenly appeared like the main character of the banquet, bothered him? Of course, whatever emotions Ian felt would not even be a fraction of Lethenia’s emotions swirling inside me.

“You’re back much earlier than I expected.”

Theo made a polite bow to the Emperor. He flashed Ian a smile that seemed light and yet somehow belligerent.

“I have a report to give about the Schubert mission, but this is a celebration of the Emperor’s dear lady. I didn’t want to intrude. There is nothing urgent enough that requires his Majesty’s presence, so enjoy the feast to your heart’s content.”

Perhaps the words touched Ian’s nerves. His expression hardened. The corner of Theo’s mouth turned upward.

Finally, his gaze settled on me.

“I left a present for Her Majesty in her bedroom. Shall we go there right now?”

The air around us froze at his words. When he asked me to accompany him to my bedroom, it was intentional.

I was about to run away from this uncomfortable place anyway. Theo held out his hand.

I rose from my seat holding his hands. Then Ian stood in my way, his eyes more intense than I’d ever seen them before.

“Do it in moderation.”

There was a tremendous amount of anger in his tone. The air between Theo and Ian was tense.

The buzzing people all became quiet at the interesting spectacle. It was like two men fighting over the empress.

Now, all the nobles, both in the Duke’s and Emperor’s factions, frowned as they watched the scene. When I glanced at Rosetin, she had a hurt look on her face and was staring at Ian.

I turned to Ian and said sharply.

“Shouldn’t you be paying more attention to Rosetin than to me? This is a special day for the two of you.”

“…….”

“There are a lot of prying eyes, if you’ll excuse me.”

I took Theo’s hand and walked away. Once again, I had to endure uncomfortable stares from the nobles as I walked with Theo to the entrance, but I didn’t feel bad.

It reminded me of the birthday banquet where Rosetin had appeared. 

At that time I felt terrible because of Ian, but not today.

I felt strangely exhilarated. Perhaps it was because the warmth I felt from Theo’s hand holding mine seemed to protect me from bad things.

Before I knew it, a light blush and a shy smile appeared on my face.