Dead-End Villainess Who Makes Medicine

It seemed like only yesterday that it was snowing, but now the days are gradually warming up.

Under the faint moonlight, sprouts were beginning to bud.

A gentle breeze blew through the trees, ruffling my hair and swaying the leaves.

Enjoying the sound of the wind shaking the trees, I looked up at the sky when Julion spoke.

 

“I hear they fled the capital today.”

 

I knew who he was talking about without needing to ask who it was. I nodded quietly and tightened my grip on his hand.

After a brief pause, Julion spoke again.

 

“Are you going to keep an eye on them?”

“Well…”

 

Glancing sideways, I saw Julion furrowing his brow.

I chuckled softly in response.

 

“I’m just going to make sure they’re settling in.”

“What’s so good about it?”

 

True enough.

My last murmured response was carried away by the wind.

Although it was a trivial matter that caused some annoyance, I had received plenty of information from the princess’s nanny, so I thought this level of consideration was acceptable.

Thanks to that information, it seemed we could easily manipulate Razia.

 

“We’ve received an unexpected gift. Taking over the kingdom of Razia seems like a pretty good first achievement for Emperor Julion.”

 

Julion lowered his gaze from the sky and met my eyes.

I could see my reflection in the golden orbs, which glistened transparently in the moonlight.

 

“You’ve got me falling for you…… all over again.”

“Well, you say that every day. It doesn’t work on me anymore.”

 

I said that, but I was smiling widely in Julion’s eyes. As if happier than anyone else.

 

A new beginning

 

“Your Highness, it’s almost time.”

“Already? Where’s Julion?”

“He’s waiting downstairs.”

“Alright, let’s go.” 

 

I pushed myself to my feet; my whole body was heavy.

The dangling jewelry clinked and jingled as I stood up.

Zenid and even my mother joined in, putting things on my body and insisting that I wear them, even when I protested.

As I stepped out of the room and glanced briefly at the mirror, I saw a completely unfamiliar version of myself standing there.

 

‘Still a bit much.’

 

Earrings and a necklace in the same color family as the blue gemstones embedded in my hair like stars.

The dress was a mix of light blue and deep navy blue, sprinkled with silver dust.

The deeper navy descended below, adorned densely with silver dots resembling the Milky Way in the night sky.

 

“Zenid, can we at least remove…”

“That’s not possible. It’s all part of one ensemble.”

 

I attempted to detach even the gems on my sleeves, but Zenid firmly shook her head.

 

“But it’s too heavy, and I feel uncomfortable. I think I’m not digesting well. At this rate, I won’t be able to eat properly at the party.”

“Here’s some digestive medicine.”

“Wow, you’re thorough.”

 

Finally, with a sigh, I took the potion Zenid offered.

The refreshing potion made my throat burn slightly, easing the discomfort a bit.

 

“Well, now you really must go, Your Highness.”

“Alright, alright. Let’s go.”

 

At Zenid’s urging, I finally gave in and stepped outside.

The corridor was quieter than ever, but I couldn’t hide the excitement swirling inside me.

 

“Your Highness, I’ll escort you!”

 

Ares, waiting outside the door, leaned slightly with a mischievous smile and placed his hand over his chest, bowing his waist.

His tied-up golden hair shimmered as it caught my gaze.

Ares’ face showed full enjoyment once again.

I couldn’t help but frown at that and reply sharply.

 

“You seem very busy with your recent romance. How come you’ve found time for me today, Sir Ares?”

“Oh my, well… Your Highness…”

 

Although my words were sharp, Ares blushed and waved his hand nervously.

I don’t know what it is about Hemion that made her fall for such a lightweight.

 

‘No matter how I think about it, our Hemion deserves better.’

 

I wonder if I’ve been neglecting her because I’ve been busy preparing for the coronation.

She had seemed troubled lately, but I never imagined it would be about a romantic issue.

I wanted to scream at them that they shouldn’t be in a relationship, but it was too late now that they were already running around together in excitement.

I sighed and started walking away.

 

“Your Highness, sighing on such a beautiful day.”

“Yeah, a beautiful day indeed.”

 

Zenid whispered softly as she followed closely behind.

I replied vaguely and forced an awkward smile as I quickened my pace.

Today was undoubtedly an important and beautiful day. The only problem was my troubled heart.

 

‘Can I do this?’

 

Empress of Sertizan.

Mother of the empire’s people.

The weight I would now bear will never be light.

When I first proposed a contract marriage to Julion, I never imagined that I would end up rising to the position of empress.

 

“Julion, have you been waiting long?”

 

As I descended, I saw Julion waiting for me.

He spotted me, eyes widening and lips twitching.

He seemed to want to say something but hesitated, and I tilted my head in confusion.

 

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m not sure if I should say this, but…”

 

Julion coughed nervously.

Glancing at me briefly, then looking ahead again, then glancing at me once more, I understood why.

 

“Is it… too much?”

“Yes, it’s too much.”

“Ah, I knew it. Maybe I should take some off even now…”

“I’m worried that all the gathered nobles and even common people will fall for your beauty.”

“…Excuse me?”

 

I hesitated, looking down at the jewels pinned to my dress.

What a silly thing to say.

Reading the mix of bewilderment in my eyes, Julion extended his hand and smiled gently.

 

“I didn’t want anyone to see you this beautiful.”

“No, I’m serious. I really think it would be better to take some of these off.”

 

Perhaps removing a few of the jewels from my hair will improve things slightly.

However, given how firmly Zenid had set them in place, they wouldn’t budge with even moderate force.

Julion chuckled softly as he looked at me and gently took hold of my wrist.

 

“Just for today, I want to boast a little. That such a beautiful woman is my wife.”

“Julion, I’m being serious.”

“So am I. During the ceremony, I might just keep staring at your face.”

“No…….”

 

His excessively smooth lines left me speechless. I looked up at Julion.

Julion, too, was dressed in imperial regalia for the coronation.

The design features a white base with black and red accents.

Inside a red cloak embroidered with gold leaf, a sword peeks out.

It was a dignified and austere outfit, contrasting sharply with his face, which was flushed with excitement. It was a sight rarely seen.

Julion noticed my gaze fixed on him and turned his head slightly.

 

“My hand feels awkward. Aren’t you going to hold it?”

“What are you saying while holding my hand?”

 

For reference, I was holding the empress’s scepter with my other hand.

Only then did Julion seem to realize this fact, flinching and releasing me.

 

“Then… would you grant me the honor of accompanying you?”

 

Julion offered again, awkwardly delivering his stiff lines.

I slowly placed my hand over his, which was extended before me.

 

“With pleasure.”

 

As always, it was large, warm, and…

 

“Julion. By the way, did I tell you this?”

 

I asked in a small voice as we walked through the gardens of Garnet Palace.

Julion answered by turning to look at me.

His golden eyes glittered, and I gently pulled up the corners of my mouth.

 

“I love you too.”

 

The moment I finished speaking, Julion’s steps abruptly stopped.

Since we were holding hands, I was forced to stop as well.

Julion stood frozen like a statue, blinking only his eyelids up and down.

His face, including his ears, gradually turned various shades of red, which was oddly amusing to see, but I tried hard to suppress my laughter as I tugged at Julion’s arm.

However, whether his body had truly stiffened or not, Julion showed no movement, like a rock.

 

“If you’re not coming, I’ll go ahead.”

 

With that, I let go of his hand and took a few steps forward.

Then Julion came running up behind me and grabbed my hand again.

 

“Wa… Wait, Rohiriel, please say it again. I think I misheard.”

“If you didn’t hear it, never mind.”

“No, that’s not it! Rohiriel! How can this be? Just like that, without any preparation…!”

 

Julion protested strongly, clutching my arm and hand.

Was it just my imagination, or was there a greater sense of urgency and desperation in his voice than ever?

When I continued to remain silent, Julion seemed ready to stop me in my tracks.

In the meantime, we had already reached the entrance to the central garden where the coronation was taking place.

 

“Now people can see us. You need to show the solemn and dignified face of the Emperor, Julion.”

“Hah… You really…”

 

Julion squeezed my hand hard.

It is not so tight as to hurt, but enough to prevent any movement.

 

“You always drive me crazy.”

 

With those words, Julion smoothed his expression, and a small smile graced his lips.

In the last glance we exchanged, his golden eyes were still filled with an unhidden heat, making me feel warm all over as well.

I took a deep breath and looked away from him, pretending not to notice.

 

“Those words have no effect anymore.”

“For something that has no effect, your hands are warm.”

“Because of you… that’s why.”

 

Julion chuckled softly.

At that moment, the grand music announcing the beginning of the coronation echoed around us.

We slowly walked into the garden.

At the end of the path where we were supposed to march, the Emperor and Empress stood.

Below them, Mother waved at me.

I saw Hemion and other palace physicians, including Ratman and Nadiel.

 

‘Oh, I shouldn’t be crying.’

 

I could easily imagine Zenid scolding me for ruining the makeup she’d worked so hard on.

Still, tears kept welling up, and I bit my lip hard.

Julion noticed my changes and came closer to me.

Feeling the warmth from his hand, I thought,

If there’s a moment of happiness that I would want to stop,

That would be right now.

 

― End of Side Story ―