Once again, it was Ian who stepped forward on my behalf.
“Your Majesty.”
Though he addressed her as “Your Majesty,” Ian’s sharp glare carried an almost threatening tone, causing Elisia to burst into hearty laughter.
“Haha! Alright, alright.”
She waved her hand dismissively, but the playful mischief on her face was impossible to hide. Only after laughing for quite a while did she dramatically wipe away non-existent tears and begin to speak.
“Yes, I’ve heard much about your achievements. I understand you made quite the impact at Biblos Academy.”
“You flatter us, Your Majesty.”
“Especially the Grand Duchess’s speech—it left a deep impression. Even the Emperor of Nomos spoke highly of it.”
The emperor’s expression brimmed with pride.
Of course—I’d spent weeks agonizing over that speech. For once, I didn’t feel like downplaying the praise and instead wore a soft smile.
“Sending the two of you was an excellent choice. Thanks to you, it’s become an opportunity to strengthen our friendly ties with the Nomos Empire once again.”
She winked playfully, exuding ease.
“I’m glad we could be of help. And speaking of which, Your Majesty…”
I smiled pointedly.
“There is a matter you promised us, is there not?”
Don’t think I’ve forgotten how you half-forced me to go to Nomos.
At my pointed remark, the emperor widened her eyes in mock surprise and let out an exaggerated “Ah!”
“I had planned to discuss it later, but it seems the Grand Duchess is more impatient than she appears.”
Her sly glance clearly signaled she was gearing up to tease me further. However, upon noticing Ian’s sharp glare beside me, she raised both hands as if surrendering.
“Alright, alright. The two of you are not just close but practically inseparable, I see.”
She chuckled softly and rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
“So, it was about Ian’s renunciation of his claim to the throne, wasn’t it? I did say I’d consider it favorably after your trip to the Nomos Empire.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The emperor let out a small hum, her gaze shifting between Ian and me before sitting up straight from her previously reclined posture. A grin spread across her face.
“If it’s something the two of you have agreed upon…”
“Yes.”
“That’s correct, Your Majesty.”
Ian and I both nodded simultaneously.
“Then…”
The emperor swept her golden hair back and smiled brightly.
“So be it.”
Her approval was so quick and straightforward that it left me stunned.
“…Pardon?”
“I said, so be it.”
“So, you mean…”
“Renouncing the claim to the throne—you said that’s what you wanted, didn’t you? I’ll have it officially announced soon.”
While I stood there dumbfounded, the emperor’s tone remained calm, as if she had already planned everything out.
This was… a good thing.
It was definitely a good thing, but…
The suddenness of it all left me bewildered.
Seeing my dazed expression, the emperor chuckled knowingly.
“It seems the Grand Duchess came here ready to argue with me. But that won’t be necessary. If my dear brother and his wife both desire it, I can’t stubbornly refuse any longer, can I?”
I almost blurted out, “Then why did you reject it so firmly before?” but held my tongue.
As if reading my mind, the emperor crossed her legs leisurely and added, “Of course, in the past, this would’ve been out of the question. But didn’t you yourself say this to me, Grand Duchess? That nothing would change just because the claim to the throne was relinquished.”
Her cyan eyes curved charmingly as she smiled.
I nodded.
“Yes, I did.”
“Up until now, I’ve clung to the notion that I must keep my brother close by. But hearing your straightforward words, I couldn’t help but feel reassured. With a Grand Duchess like you by his side, I can rest a bit easier.”
…So basically, she’s saying this wouldn’t have worked with Ian alone, but since it’s me, she’s willing to permit it?
Understanding the true meaning behind her words, my shoulders stiffened.
“So, I trust you’ll take responsibility for what you said.”
“…Responsibility?”
What now?
“I mean, I’d like you, Grand Duchess, to ensure that my beloved brother remains a proper ‘part of the family.’”
Her tone was light, but the sincerity woven into her words wasn’t lost on me.
In essence, she was asking me to ensure that Ian—once stripped of his claim to the throne—wouldn’t rebel or defy the imperial family, thereby preserving what little legitimacy remained.
‘…Isn’t she trusting me a bit too much?’
It was clear I had earned far too much of the emperor’s confidence.
“While you were in the Nomos Empire, I’ve reviewed the necessary procedures. However, since timing is crucial, the official announcement will have to wait a little longer.”
I had thought she was merely stalling for time by sending us to Nomos, but it seemed she’d been preparing things behind the scenes.
‘Then she could’ve just told us that instead of keeping it hidden and giving me a scare.’
It was starting to make sense why Ian always rubbed his forehead whenever Elisia’s name came up.
The emperor, who had been watching the two of us with a satisfied expression, stretched her arms lazily and tilted her head.
“Well then, I suppose the Grand Duchess’s business has been resolved?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you for making such a significant decision.”
“There’s no need for thanks.”
She laughed heartily, waving her hand dismissively.
“Now then, Grand Duchess, would you mind stepping out for a moment? It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to speak at length with my dear brother.”
At her words, my gaze shifted between the emperor and Ian, who was seated beside me. Ian raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly not expecting this turn of events either.
Well, at times like this, it’s best to retreat quickly.
Before anyone could say more, I promptly rose from my seat.
“Of course, Your Majesty. I will take my leave.”
I bowed politely and then leaned toward Ian, whispering, “I’ll be in the third garden. Take your time.”
“I’ll come soon.”
The subtle emphasis on “soon” was unmistakable. Clearly, he wasn’t too thrilled about having a private conversation with his only elder sister.
His reaction was so typical of siblings that I had to suppress a chuckle. Straightening my posture, I added, “See you later, Grand Duke.”
❖ ❖ ❖
Eloise left the room, escorted by an attendant. Once the door closed soundlessly behind her, an unusual silence settled over the reception room.
Elisia, resting her chin on her hand, smiled mischievously at her brother seated across from her. Ian, on the other hand, sat upright, his posture impeccable.
“Hah… at this point, I’m starting to feel genuinely hurt, Ian.”
“Please, speak freely.”
“I’ve always spoken freely. The problem is, you never seem comfortable.”
Elisia, clearly accustomed to this atmosphere, smacked her lips before uncrossing her legs and speaking.
“I’ve noticed it for a while now—the Grand Duchess is exceptionally clever. If it weren’t for her, this matter might have dragged on for another five years or so.”
She shrugged lightly.
“Didn’t Your Majesty choose the Grand Duchess precisely because of her qualities?”
“Indeed. You, however, were indifferent.”
There was a hint of reproach in Elisia’s words, and Ian, uncharacteristically, flinched.
Finding his reaction amusing, Elisia let out a puff of laughter.
“I don’t know what wind blew between the two of you, but it’s satisfying to see how much you’ve come to treasure the Grand Duchess.”
“……”
“You’re not even denying it this time.”
Ian pressed his lips together firmly.
If she ever heard the confession he made to Eloise while holding her hand back at the Grand Duke’s residence, Elisia would surely throw a dramatic fit. To avoid that, he chose not to add anything further.
“Although the timing hasn’t been decided yet, along with your renunciation of the throne, the announcement of the princess’s designation as the crown princess will be made. Given Louisa’s temperament, it might still be a few years too early, but I need to make it clear now to silence the old nobles hovering around me.”
Elisia clicked her tongue in frustration, clearly aware of how some nobles, under the guise of being “loyalists,” sought to manipulate her and Ian for their own agendas.
“You already know this, but once you renounce your claim to the throne, you won’t be able to avoid becoming a topic of gossip for a while. They love to make up stories, after all.”
“I’m aware.”
Even if Ian publicly announced that he was relinquishing his claim of his own will, there would still be whispers questioning the relationship between him and the emperor. Some nobles might support the decision, while others would assume there was a rift between the two siblings. A few loyalists to Ian might even use this as an excuse to subtly express dissent against the emperor.
After all, Ian was born of a concubine and shared only half the emperor’s blood. Giving up his claim to the throne wasn’t a simple matter that could resolve everything.
“Therefore, for the time being, I’ll frequently summon you and the Grand Duchess to the capital. It would be good for you to attend as many royal events as possible. Speaking of which, the Grand Duchess’s birthday is approaching soon. Fortunately, the princess is taking charge of the preparations.”
“You suggested to the princess that she handle the birthday preparations, didn’t you?”
“Yes, I thought it would be a good way to demonstrate the solidarity between the imperial family and the ducal family.”
Elisia smiled slyly.
While Eloise might think the princess was whimsically using her position with the emperor’s backing, Ian, who knew Elisia’s nature well, was already aware it was her idea from the start.
“In any case, I didn’t keep you here to talk about trivial matters like this.”
For the first time, a subtle tension appeared in Elisia’s previously relaxed expression.
“Hayden is becoming a problem.”
• • •
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