“Moreover, Parma is known for its mild weather and beautiful natural scenery, so every day might feel like a vacation.”
“That makes sense. If there’s at least one thing to enjoy, life could be pleasant in its own way.”
Sienna reluctantly responded while turning the pages.
She understood Theodore’s concerns, but she had already experienced married life once before. Considering how she had endured her previous husband’s indifference while focusing solely on their child, this time might actually be easier. After all, she didn’t even love her husband-to-be.
Just then, a question suddenly crossed Sienna’s mind.
“But what will happen to you if I go to Parma?”
“If Your Highness goes to Parma, I suppose my duties will be reassigned?”
Theodore shrugged as he spoke.
Unlike Jean, who wasn’t yet an official healer and thus could more easily accompany Sienna to Parma, Theodore was formally part of the Imperial Knights and couldn’t be taken along without the Emperor’s permission.
“I might end up just delivering His Imperial Majesty’s letters around the empire.”
Theodore said sarcastically.
“Still, noble sons consider it an honorable position. They’re all desperate to join the Knights.”
She had heard that after the Grand Duke became known as a hero for his achievements on the frontlines of war, more young noblemen had started applying to join the military rather than the Knights.
But that was just an unrealistic dream. Most either quit early after being shocked by the reality of being a soldier, or failed to achieve their dreams due to fierce opposition from their families.
“It’s just serving His Imperial Majesty, nothing more.”
Sienna slightly frowned at his endlessly sarcastic attitude.
“For someone who’s so cynical about it, you’ve stayed with the Knights quite long, haven’t you?”
“It was never about my wishes, Your Highness. My brother forced me into it. If I quit on my own, I might be expelled from the family.”
Theodore grumbled with an exhausted expression.
“Yet he himself joined the military under His Grace…Isn’t it too selfish to put such shackles on his only younger brother?”
Sienna shook her head as if giving up on him.
Well, if she didn’t marry Declan, she wouldn’t need to worry about Theodore either.
In her previous life, the military had returned to being under the Knights’ command after Declan stepped down from his position as Commander-in-Chief. The military naturally opposed this decision, and to suppress this opposition, the Emperor had Theodore command the military.
He must have thought there was no better candidate than someone who was both a member of the loyal House Monches and a member of the Imperial Knights.
‘If it weren’t for the marriage to me, Declan wouldn’t have to step down from the military.’
But parting with Theodore like this was also regrettable. After suffering for years over his death, she had finally met him alive again, only to say goodbye once more. It didn’t feel good.
After being lost in thought for a moment, Sienna suddenly asked him.
“Theodore, won’t you come to Parma with me?”
Surprised by the sudden proposal, Theodore’s eyes widened. But as expected, he couldn’t readily answer and just rolled his eyes with a troubled expression.
“While I’d love nothing more than to go with Your Highness….you know it’s not something that can be decided by my feelings alone, don’t you?”
That’s probably true. Sienna nodded with a smile, hiding her bitter feelings.
Then as now, he had to follow the head of his house’s orders and the Emperor’s commands.
Until now, he had stayed by her side under the pretext of being the guard knight appointed by the late Emperor for the Imperial Princess, but once Sienna went to Parma, he wouldn’t be able to use even that excuse.
Theodore’s face darkened considerably. No matter how insensitive his personality might be, parting with a mistress for whom he had developed both fond and bitter feelings couldn’t be easy.
Sienna stared at him intently before blurting out.
“When I go to Parma, I should request a quiet man as my guard.”
“Pardon?”
“I’ve tried living with an energetic man as my guard, and it was quite exhausting. It’s tiring to watch someone who makes a fuss about everything.”
As she spoke playfully, his expression softened.
“I’ll write often, Your Highness.”
“Do that. Though I’m not sure if I’ll have time to reply between eating and playing.”
In any case, if Sienna leaves for Parma, Declan would remain as Commander-in-Chief of the military, which means Theodore would no longer be in danger.
‘That’s enough.’
How fortunate it was that they could at least exchange letters.
If he was alive, that alone was sufficient.
****
“The Prince of Parma has arrived, Your Majesty.”
When the Emperor gave the order to let him in, the attendants opened the doors on both sides.
The Emperor sat on his elevated throne, resting his chin on his hand, looking down at the man entering.
The prince was a tall young man with sharp features. Despite his status as royalty from a small kingdom, his steps into the hall were confident and unwavering.
Some older nobles looked at him with disapproving glances, seemingly displeased with his dignified attitude when they thought he should be more subservient.
Upon reaching the foot of the throne, he elegantly placed one hand on his chest and bowed.
“Jeremiah Pelomia of Parma greets Your Imperial Majesty.”
“You must be tired from your long journey.”
“Not at all. It’s an honor to be personally invited to the Imperial Palace.”
As the prince answered cheerfully, a smile appeared on the Emperor’s face as well.
“I’m very pleased to welcome you as family through this opportunity. Though it’s regrettable we cannot host the King, I hope the Prince will have a peaceful time in the Empire.”
“How could it be otherwise, Your Majesty?”
The warm conversation continued.
The prince maintained a smiling face while showing appropriate respect and reverence for the Emperor. The Emperor also seemed quite pleased with the prince’s amiable manner.
“Is this your first visit to the Imperial Palace?”
“It’s my second visit. I also attended the late Emperor’s funeral ceremony a few years ago as my father’s representative.”
Jeremiah answered brightly. The Emperor let out a slow sigh at this.
“Ah. I must have forgotten due to the chaos of that time.”
At this polite response, Jeremiah simply smiled silently. However, unlike his smooth smile, his inner thoughts were different.
‘Of course you would.’
Anyone who should know was aware of how the late Emperor’s funeral had ended in disaster. Jeremiah was no exception. Moreover, since this Imperial Princess had suddenly been exiled, all of Jeremiah’s plans had been completely derailed, making those events impossible to forget.
“Through this marriage, Parma and the Empire will forge closer ties. Although her mother met a dishonorable death, Sienna is the late Emperor’s only legitimate daughter, so I think it’s not a bad marriage for Parma’s royal family either.”
“My father and I deeply agree. It’s a great honor for Parma to welcome an Imperial Princess of the great Empire as queen.”
Jeremiah responded respectfully with a gentle smile. The Emperor, who had been quietly looking down at him, burst into laughter.
‘Just a child.’
He had been curious about what kind of person the Prince of Parma might be, having heard he was more ambitious than the King, but seeing him today, he seemed just a natural flatterer. Of course, his outer appearance might differ from his inner thoughts, but even maintaining such a submissive attitude while harboring hostility was quite a skill in itself.
“I’m planning to hold a banquet before you return to Parma. I’m thinking of inviting only close family members – would you like to join?”
“I’m deeply honored, Your Majesty.”
“You’ll have much to discuss with the Imperial Princess regarding the marriage, so it would be good to become acquainted beforehand.”
At the Emperor’s casual remark, Jeremiah’s facial muscles gradually relaxed. He replied with a faint smile remaining on his face.
“I’ve been looking forward to meeting Her Imperial Highness. I’m curious what kind of person she is.”
****
After his audience with the Emperor, Jeremiah leisurely wandered around the palace like someone taking a stroll, eventually stopping at the annex of the Imperial Palace, its walls covered in rose vines.
After pausing briefly to look at the flowers blooming profusely on the wall, his gaze turned to the annex’s main entrance. Roses also climbed the gold-plated iron gate.
That much was a familiar sight. However…
“There’s no lock now.”
Well. That’s to be expected.
With an indifferent thought, Jeremiah approached the iron gate. The soldiers who knew he was the Prince of Parma merely bowed their heads slightly, not actively preventing his movement.
“Do you have business with the Imperial Princess?”
That was all they asked.
“Is she inside?”
“Shall we announce your request for an audience?”
“No. That won’t be necessary.”
Jeremiah stepped back, maintaining his benevolent smile. Even so, his golden eyes gleamed distinctively as they slowly scanned the annex.
“We’ll be meeting soon enough anyway.”
****
Sienna finished preparing early in the morning for her meeting with the prince and headed to the reception room.
Though it was a modest procession with only two maids following her, numerous gazes were directed at her as she walked along the long corridor leading from the annex to the reception room.
Today, the Imperial Princess was dressed more elaborately than usual. She had taken extra care with her appearance, determined to present an impeccable image before the prince who might be another potential enemy.
Her black hair, generously perfumed with rose oil, released an intense fragrance with every breeze, and her deep green velvet dress was embroidered with elaborate patterns in golden thread.
While it might have been excessive for everyday wear, it suited her well as the woman wearing it was equally magnificent in appearance.
