Episode 50

Isaac’s audible gulp nearly made me burst into laughter.

Feigning nonchalance, I loudly responded to Lothania’s question.

“Such unfortunate incidents should not occur, but even if they did, how could I punish you for just one mistake?”

“Mother is always so kind and generous.”

“And our Lotti is always so cute and lovable.”

We exchanged smiles, mother and daughter, as red juices from Lothania’s broken plate soaked the tablecloth.

Lothania turned her sharp gaze towards Isaac, the oblivious and cowardly crown prince of Dirmil. The angelic face from a moment ago was gone, replaced by crimson eyes burning with imperial dignity.

Lothania curled one corner of her mouth coolly and addressed Aiden, who stood behind us.

“Duke Tilender, would you join me in my ‘mistake’?”

“Awaiting your command, Your Highness.”

Aiden replied, flashing the half-drawn blade of his sword.

He really needed to break his habit of drawing his sword at every opportunity, but considering the situation, I chose to ignore it this time.

Isaac, trembling in fear, alternated his gaze between Lothania’s crimson determination and Aiden’s murderous intent before pleading to me.

“Y-Your Majesty, are you just going to stand there and do nothing?”

“What can I do but watch, given my lack of power?”

I shrugged my shoulders nonchalantly, and Isaac, nearly in tears, cried out.

“I was wrong! I, I misspoke for a moment!”

“Oh dear, how careless to misspeak in front of the Empress of Belpator. One must be more cautious.”

I clicked my tongue and teased him further.

Aiden’s sword slid another inch out of its sheath, and Isaac’s hands shook like leaves in the wind.

Surely, this would teach him to watch his words.

Thanks to Lothania and Aiden, my previously sour mood had lifted entirely.

Placing my napkin over the ruined table setting, I spoke.

“I’ve lost my appetite, so I shall retire early. You may stay and enjoy yourselves. I will not be seeing you off.”

Isaac nodded hastily, and Lothania and I left the banquet hall hand in hand, just as we had entered.

Aiden, sheathing his sword, followed us.

Once we were in the hallway, I stopped and looked between Lothania and Aiden, then laughed.

These two really were quite the pair.

When I started laughing, both Lothania and Aiden, not knowing why, joined in. Their timing was perfectly synchronized, as if rehearsed.

* * *

The next morning, Isaac and Martina left the palace without having gained anything from their visit.

Although I told them they could stay longer, they hurriedly departed for Dirmil right after breakfast.

Though we skipped a formal farewell, I did see them off.

Neither seemed particularly pleased by my presence as they left.

Watching my brother and sister leave without looking back left me feeling a bit unsettled.

It wasn’t a clear emotion like sadness or guilt, but more a fleeting thought about what family really meant.

With no council meetings scheduled, I spent the morning leisurely calming my mind. Near lunchtime, I headed to the annex.

Having postponed our meeting yesterday, today was the day to spend time with the snake.

As I approached the annex, I saw a head of bright yellow hair first.

“Lian?”

Though I called one name, three faces turned to look at me.

“Aiden? Even Vitrain?”

I quickened my pace, worried about what might be happening. The three beasts wouldn’t just be gathering outside the annex without a reason.

As I got closer, I could sense the tension among them. Something had either happened or was about to happen.

Narrowing my eyes, I asked.

“You weren’t fighting, were you?”

The snake, Lian, was the first to compose himself, a habitual smile playing on his lips as he approached me.

“Of course not. You commanded us to get along, Your Majesty.”

As soon as he finished, Aiden and Vitrain also forced awkward smiles. Their hollow laughter echoed outside the annex, and I sighed lightly, looking at Aiden and Vitrain.

“What brings you here?”

“We have urgent matters to report.”

Aiden said, standing shoulder to shoulder with Lian.

Not to be outdone, Vitrain stepped closer as well.

“I came to bid farewell before heading to the border.”

Realizing they wouldn’t leave without saying their piece, I nodded and began walking towards the annex.

“Let’s discuss inside.”

“Your Majesty, this time was meant for you and me.”

Lian’s voice called out behind me, halting my steps.

Lian, usually with a melodious voice, now had a sharp edge to it, making me turn back.

Unlike Aiden and Vitrain, who were already moving to follow me, Lian stood his ground, his expression hard.

“It’s our time together.”

He repeated, not willing to yield.

Is this really something to be so adamant about? We hadn’t even set a specific time to meet.

“I’ll make it quick, Lian. Don’t be so tense.”

I tried to lighten the mood with a smile, but Lian’s violet eyes only grew more intense.

Aiden and Vitrain stood between us, ready to defend me. Just when I feared a fight might break out, Lian took a deep breath and relaxed his expression.

Holding up a box, he smiled warmly again.

“I brought you chocolates from your favorite shop, Your Majesty.”

I thought Aiden was the only one with mood swings, but it seemed Lian was just as unpredictable.

Feeling a bit baffled, I decided not to make an issue of his behavior. Grasping his offered hand, I said, “Thank you.”

Lian’s bright smile was reserved for me and his brother, Melbrid, making me feel special.

Once in the reception room, I first turned to Aiden and Vitrain.

Vitrain, knowing he wouldn’t return until after the war between Byerson and Dyron ended, spoke first.

“I won’t be able to see you for a while, but I won’t make the same request as last time. Just, please remember what you told me before.”

If he meant my declaration that I wouldn’t choose any of the three, he likely wanted me to wait until he returned.

Inadvertently, my gaze shifted to Aiden before I looked back at Vitrain.

“Don’t worry. That won’t happen.”

Despite the obviousness of my assurance, I couldn’t help but feel concerned about Aiden’s reaction. He didn’t even know the details of our conversation, yet his expression was hard to ignore.

I finished responding and again glanced at Aiden, only to find Lian watching me with eyes sharp as a snake’s.

Something was definitely off with Lian today.

Determined to quickly send Aiden and Vitrain away, I turned to Aiden and asked, “What’s the urgent report?”

“Crown Prince Isaac and Princess Martina of Dirmil have contacted Marquis Senwood and his wife.”

I heard simultaneous clucking sounds of disapproval from Lian and Vitrain.

Last month, when I was on leave in Lingrove, Henry had informed me that Bonita was in contact with Dirmil.

Not expecting them to have a friendly chat, I asked.

“Do you know why?”

“They handed over a personal letter from the King of Dirmil to the Senwoods.”

“My father’s letter?”

“According to a report from a shadow infiltrating the Senwood residence, the Marchioness said, ‘Now we can send the Empress away.’ Do you have any idea what might be in that letter?”

A document from my father with contents that could send me back to Dirmil?

This meant that Isaac and Martina had prepared for my refusal even before they arrived in Belpator.

Was Bonita’s reason for contacting Dirmil to plan this?

If she could gain control over the emperor’s power by removing me, she would agree to Dirmil’s request.

And my father went along with it?

He had sent me off to be married without my consent, and now, because I didn’t obey, he no longer needed me?

I couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh.