Chapter 132

Chapter 132

You mean Her Majesty the Empress?

Iona couldnt help but express her surprise.

The sudden invitation was baffling, with no guess as to the reason behind it.

Why would the Empress suddenly seek me out?

For nearly 20 years, Iona had frequented the imperial palace, yet the Empress quarters remained an alien space to her.

She had visited in her past life, yes, but only in following behind Richard, never having been directly summoned by the Empress herself as now.

What part of the changes she had brought about could have provoked the Empress?

Iona waited for an explanation, looking at the maid with expectant eyes, but received no significant response.

It seemed the maid was certain Iona would accept the invitation without needing any persuasion.

After all, it was as if the answer had already been predetermined.

Who among those serving in the palace could dare refuse an invitation from the Empress?

Please, lead the way.

Reluctantly, masking her suspicions, Iona consented.

Having gotten the desired response, the maid turned away lightly.

Then I will take you to the empress palace.

***

Ionas impression of the Empress was fragmented.

A person whose face was unknown, and whose intentions were even more so.

I appreciate your accepting this sudden invitation. Ive wanted to arrange a meeting like this at least once, to have a conversation together.

Iona gazed thoughtfully at the woman seated opposite her.

The Empress was, as always, dressed in a mourning-like black dress, a veil descending from her neck.

What the Empress concealed within that opaque mesh was not merely the scars on her face.

Considering the need to keep her own intentions hidden, Iona formally paid her respects.

Its a great honor for a mere knight like me to be recognized and sought out by Your Majesty.

You are no mere knight, are you? You serve closer to the Crown Prince than anyone else. More than that, your status is no longer that of a mere knight.

The Empress said, handling the teacups handle.

Though refreshments had been brought for the guest, she herself had not yet touched the tea.

Sure enough, she continued speaking without lifting her cup.

Congratulations on your new title. Its a difficult achievement at such a young age, especially as an adopted daughter.

Its hard to feel purely happy about it, considering it came alongside a family crisis.

Ive heard the rumors too. Count Modrov and his children have quite reluctantly accepted their new family member. You probably didnt feel too sad about your fathers death, unlike if it had been Yvonne.

Her words were troubling, both deeply rooted in truth and uncomfortable.

However, sometimes, this close bond between lord and vassal can become poisonous to both.

Indeed, lately Richard had often been unable to maintain his composure due to Iona.

He had abandoned his fiance to attend a ball with Iona and had unilaterally broken off his engagement with Florence.

As Iona continued to rise, inheriting the family estate in the process, the favoritism became glaringly obvious.

That includes Florences situation. Ive heard from various sources how my son has treated his fiance. His actions have caused her much distress as a woman, and despite her shortcomings, I have often chosen to overlook them out of pity.

...

Even though Florence may have behaved immaturely this time... Yes, even considering that, the Crown Princes reaction was certainly emotional. It was uncharacteristic of Richard.

Iona chose not to detail the wrongs Florence had committed against her here.

The Empress did not minimize the severity of these immature acts out of ignorance, and Iona knew that wasnt the crux of the issue.

The Empress stated emphatically, Ive concluded that you, Dame Iona, are the cause of this.

Iona inwardly marveled.

She had not realized Richards true feelings until her death, and not even for a long time after she had come back to life.

In contrast, the Empress had accurately deduced his recent motivations based on his actions alone.

Perhaps it was true what they saythat parents have a way of seeing right through their children.

Although, when I think about my own case, its not quite the same.

Quietly, Iona swallowed a bitter laugh.

Was the sustained silence taken as a form of rebellion?

The Empress voice became more forceful when she called Iona.

Dame Iona.

Yes, your majesty?

You are well aware that a leader of a nation must never be ruled by emotion. The Crown Prince still needs enough maturity that, until then, his actions may need to be forcibly corrected from the outside.

...

Therefore, I would like you to follow the Duke to his domain after your marriage.

Instinctively, she knew this was not a suggestion but a command.

Such near-tyrannical demands would typically provoke resentment, but Iona had to struggle to suppress a laugh that almost burst forth.

So, she had come to pry her son away from a woman of unsuitably low status.

It felt as if she had stepped into a scene straight out of a melodramatic novel.

If there is one difference from the current situation, is that this is a method that this side really wants to avoid?

Gratefully accepting the futile efforts of her opponent, Iona responded willingly.

Yes, I will do so.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

[ TN: Join Patreon to support the translation and to read 5 chapters ahead of the release: /YourNoona

Join Our Discord for regular updates, and have fun with other community members: /invite/SqWtJpPtm9 ]