Married to a Man who Wants to Kill me

 

 

 

A family that will be the power of the emperor, a promising successor to the Claflin family, taking such a risky path, and more. There was not a word she said that didn’t get on his nerves.

 

And yet Rosetin didn’t bat an eyelid, not even the slightest hint of being flustered in his stern expression. It was a boldness not usually possessed by a noble lady.

 

Still holding her head high, she said what she wanted to say without hesitation.

 

“Lord Claflin is the Empress’s man, not the Emperor’s, and if it weren’t for the Marquis of Claflin, the Emperor would have no reason to be lenient towards you, and I’m afraid the Marquis’ health hasn’t improved in years.”

 

Rosetin shot him a venomous glare. He couldn’t understand why a woman who had never spoken to him before would be so rude to him.

 

Is it because of the Emperor and Count Bedos?

 

“What do you think will happen to those associated with Bledel when the imperial power is consolidated in the near future. She doesn’t have a hedge to protect you.”

 

He looked at Rosetin with a questioning gaze for a moment, then spoke coldly.

 

“Please refrain from making presumptuous remarks.”

 

“My advice is not to risk your life for something you can’t stop.”

 

Theo felt a strange sensation for a moment at her strangely arrogant demeanor.

 

The head she consciously lifted to avoid appearing weak, the defiant gaze as if she were on top of the world, the determined tone that said she wouldn’t back down no matter what…… Theo found himself looking at her left hand.

 

Even the habit of rolling her thumb inside to cover up her messy nails.

 

He sensed a vaguely familiar vibe, as if he’d known her for years. And the scent of Favia, blending seamlessly. Theo looked at Rosetin, who bore not a hair’s breadth of resemblance to Lethenia, and thought of the old Lethenia.

 

But that doesn’t make sense. He asked stiffly, wiping away the thoughts with a chuckle.

 

“Is there any reason why I should take your advice?”

 

“You’re more foolish than I thought.”

 

“I’ll take care of my own business.”

 

“Your future is obvious, you’ll stop at nothing to save the Empress for the sake of friendship or loyalty, maybe even…….”

 

“Perhaps I should accept that, even if the price is my life. Miss Bedos must be ready to leave anytime His Majesty is in trouble.”

 

The words pierced Rosetin’s heart like an awl. The conversation was tense, like walking on thin ice. Clearly, she had crossed the line.

 

However, now Theo was more overwhelmed by bewilderment than by discomfort. It seemed unlikely that she was simply trying to help the Emperor rule.

 

In a way, it felt desperate, overwhelmingly so. Even though he didn’t show it outwardly, Theo was engulfed by complex thoughts, as if he had been lost in a fog for a while.

 

Rosetin spoke the last words, her voice tinged with self-help.

 

“No one can save Her Majesty. So throw away that useless hope.”

 

* * * * *

 

“He asked for 300,000 knets in cash and a noble title in Asha. If he joins us, it’ll be hard for him to live in Delua. Perhaps because of homesickness, he seemed to want more conditions for a stable life in Asha than wealth. But giving him a title would be a little difficult.”

 

As we strolled through the gardens, Theo briefed me on the preparations for the settlement. I couldn’t get the image of him and Rosetin together from earlier out of my mind.

 

Theo’s cold gaze as if he had become a different person, Rosetin’s eyes as if she had been hurt… But I couldn’t bring myself to mention it directly, as it might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings.

 

It’s no big deal, I thought, hushing my rumblings and focusing on more important topics.

 

“Is it possible to grant a noble title to a commoner?”

 

“Sometimes, we give titles to those who have made great contributions to the country, but there is little precedent. It is impossible to make a commoner into a noble without much merit. Still, anyway, it’s a relief that he showed his willingness to negotiate.”

 

A whopping 300,000 knets and a noble status. The conditions he offered seemed more excessive than I thought but the disappointment is on my side. He is now recognized as a prominent shipwright in Delua and is receiving the best treatment he could not have enjoyed in Asha.

 

If it weren’t for his homesickness, he wouldn’t have even considered negotiating with me in the first place. Still, 300,000 knets is a lot of money. I asked carefully, recalling Theo, who had been to Ios Island safely.

 

“But why go to the trouble of building a new ship, when you’ve traveled so well in such a dangerous sea of death?”

 

“I know it’s hard for you to realize because I came back unscathed, but in places like that, the moment even one of the crew makes a mistake, they are wiped out.”

 

“But…”

 

“We can’t take that risk with your Majesty, and if there’s a safer way to travel, even if it’s a bit of a hassle, we’ll take it.”

 

When I was about to say something, he continued, his eyes a little more determined.

 

“Furthermore, the crew I was with were from a vicious pirate. How could you, Your Majesty, be in a place full of hungry wild horses?… Never dream of it.”

 

Theo said in a stern voice, as if to tell me never to speak such words again. Suddenly, I remembered Theo’s cold demeanor in the Curse Forest, when he seemed like a completely different person.

 

Now I realized that while he had always been affectionate, he seemed to have become infinitely more sensitive when it came to matters pertaining to my safety. I shrugged a little at his harshness and changed the subject.

 

“So, in any case…… even if I somehow manage to come up with the 300,000 knets in cash, I’ll need the Emperor’s help to get him a title.”

 

“I think it would be more practical to have him live under a different name, disguised as a noble, than to have him formally given a title by the Emperor, so try to negotiate that part again, and…….”

 

Theo looked at me quizzically, then grinned.

 

“I have somewhere to take you today.”

 

“Where?”

 

“I was going to show you some places I thought your Majesty would like to see when I got back from Schubert.”

 

I remembered saying goodbye to him the day I sneaked out of the palace. It was the day Rosetin spent the night in the Imperial Palace.

 

I had gone in search of a love potion to quell the feelings that were running wild against my will. Unfortunately, I didn’t accomplish my goal.

 

<I know of many places the Empress would be pleased to see.>

 

Theo must have taken my comment about the palace being stuffy to heart, because he said something like that before he left for Schubert.

 

“Ah… That’s right.”

 

“You must have forgotten the promise I made when you sneak out of the palace. I’ve put quite a bit of thought into where you might like, so I’m a bit disappointed.”

 

Theo gave a small sigh, a hint of regret in his voice, but there was still a hint of friendliness in it.

 

“I haven’t forgotten, but I know you’re busy and…….”

 

“Then let’s go right now.”

 

“Now……?”

 

“Are you saying no?”

 

“No, that’s not it, but…….”

 

I trailed off, unable to think of what to say to his sudden offer. The corners of his mouth turned upward even more.

 

“Actually, the purpose of my visit today is to go on a date with your Majesty, and the terms of the Delua shipwright’s bargain are just an excuse.”

 

The word ‘date’ keeps ringing in my ears. He’s asking me to go on a…… date with him now?

 

“Don’t you think you’re being too careless? Even if it’s just an act, I’m still the Empress’ paramour, and it would be a real shame if they found out it wasn’t real, so please cooperate with me today.”

 

Theo’s face showed a hint of amusement. The word “act” caught my attention.

 

Yes, he was acting as my lover.

 

So it was only natural that we should spend time together. My face burned with embarrassment at having made such an unnecessary misunderstanding. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

 

He was still looking at me. I nodded slowly, watching his seductive smile that somehow made me helpless.

 

* * * * *

 

The curious eyes of the courtiers followed us as we walked to the entrance of the palace. To them, nothing could be more interesting to gossip about than the Empress and her lover.

 

I climbed into the prepared carriage. It was my first time to go out with Theo so publicly. Last time, we only met by chance outside and the situation was so urgent that I couldn’t gather my thoughts.

 

The idea of this being a “date,” even if it was just an act, as he said, was like someone gently flicking a feather across my heart.. Maybe that’s why.

 

It was a little awkward to be alone with him in the small space of the carriage.

 

“It’s quite far from the bustling street. People didn’t come and go because it was surrounded by thorny bushes so I made a path in advance so even a lady can walk easily. Please come by from time to time. I’m sure you’ll like it.”

 

He smiled softly. I was a little touched when I heard that he had made a path for me.

 

“I’m glad you went to such lengths…… because of what I said. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’m sure it’s a wonderful place, and I’ve always liked your gifts.”

 

“Hmm, come to think of it, you liked Favia wine quite a bit, too. Enough to make you lose your mind in the presence of a strong man, alone in a bedroom, that is.”

 

He said with a slightly teasing glance. My ears perked up at the mention of Favia wine, remembering the last time I’d passed out from drunkenness.

 

“Hmph, I didn’t realize it was that strong, it tastes quite good. I apologize for my unintentional but nonetheless disgraceful behavior towards you.”

 

“It’s unseemly for the dignified Empress to be disgraceful, though I personally find it a bit…….”

 

He suddenly crossed his arms and looked very serious. He seemed to be thinking about whether to say it or not.

 

For a moment, I wondered what his next words would be. A little… what? A little shocking? A little unbecoming of an Empress? A little lacking in dignity?

 

Without realizing it, I stared at his lips, thinking of all sorts of negative words. He glanced at my serious eyes and opened his mouth.

 

“I think it’s cute.”

 

Theo unexpectedly said with a light laugh.