Episode 13
Had I unconsciously accepted that he was already gone? I no longer felt guilt when referring to the emperor in past tense. But when I remembered that his body had yet to be found, my heart ached once more.
The conversation I had just shared with Kirta might have been in vain.
“Once the agreement is announced and the memorial service is held, I will declare that His Majesty the Emperor has passed away. After that, we will observe a period of mourning as dictated by the laws of the land. During this time, I cannot even consider discussing marriage. I refuse to be seen as a woman who rushes to remarriage so soon after her husband’s death.”
Even if her second husband were to be a high-ranking noble of Lekeon, it would still fuel gossip. How much worse would it be to announce an engagement to a foreign general? Lentia suppressed a bitter smile.
“I will act as regent during the mourning period. This way, I can stave off any voices demanding that I name a successor. It is not contrary to imperial custom to leave the throne vacant until the
mourning period has passed and the post-war chaos has subsided.”
When an emperor died suddenly in the midst of national crisis, it was a common practice in Leceon to avoid hastily crowning a new ruler, provided there was someone capable of filling the power vacuum, such as an empress or dowager.
The emperor’s accession was a celebratory event, and superstition deeply rooted in imperial tradition warned against holding such ceremonies during times of turmoil, as it was believed to invite misfortune. By relying on this superstition, Lentia could buy herself time.
As someone trusted by her people, her assumption of state affairs in the interim would silence most demands for a new emperor to quickly ascend the throne.
“I plan to allow a generous mourning period—at least three months. During this time, I will send out search parties to recover His Majesty the Emperor’s body. You, as an ambassador from a friendly nation, will remain in the palace, familiarize yourself with Lekeon’s customs and etiquette, and build relationships with the nobles. When I announce my engagement later, it will be much easier if there are friendly allies among the imperial aristocracy.”
“Are you saying all this on the assumption that you will accept
my proposal?” Kirta asked.
“Yes, that’s right. Assuming that I accept your proposal.”
When Kirta sought clarification, Lentia’s response was firm. It was still only a premise, not a certainty.
To solidify this point, she continued calmly, driving the wedge deeper.
“Even if I do not accept your proposal, I will sincerely honor your request to stay in the palace as an ambassador of a friendly nation. I believe such exchanges are necessary for maintaining good relations between our countries.”
“I understand. I will consider it positively.”
“And before the mourning period ends, if by some miracle His Majesty the Emperor… returns alive…”
Lentia paused, her breath catching. Kirta’s expression darkened briefly.
“…Then your proposal becomes irrelevant. At that time, I will regard you solely as an ambassador of an allied nation. You should expect nothing more than that.”
“…I would not wish for it. If His Majesty the Emperor returns alive.”
“Thank you.”
Lentia’s voice was calm, though unease gnawed at her. She did not want to betray any vulnerability before Kirta.
“That’s all I have to say for now. Based on our discussion today, I will draft a revised agreement. Once it is complete, we will review it together.”
“Very well.”
“And as for my answer to your proposal… please understand it may take some time. At the very least, I will give you a definitive answer before the mourning period ends.”
“I will wait.”
Kirta smiled again, his expression open and confident. Lentia did not smile back, maintaining a neutral demeanor to conceal the turmoil that Kirta’s presence has stirred within her.
“If there’s nothing more, I will see you off now.”
“Will you escort me to the castle gates this time as well?”
“If you wish.”
“I would appreciate it.”
The two rose from their seats. Lentia gestured towards her knight.
“This is my escort, Verita. If it’s acceptable, I will have her accompany us as well.”
“Of course.”
The four of them—Lentia, Kirta, Verita, and Asaka—left the Empress’s Palace and retraced the same route that Kirta had taken earlier. Verita had fetched horses from the stables, including one for the empress.
Once again, Lentia mounted her horse with practiced ease. Kirta observed her for a moment before speaking.
“How is Idran?”
“He is well cared for in the stables. His temperament is certainly gentle.”
Kirta’s smile broadened. “That’s good to hear. Please continue to ride him often. A horse raised on the open grasslands grows restless if confined to a stable for too long.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The group rode through the city together, cloaked and hooded to avoid drawing attention.
“Do the commoners recognize your face, Your Majesty?” Kirta asked.
“Not many,” Lentia replied. “But I’ve made public appearances before, so I feel more at ease covering my face.”
Kirta nodded. “That makes sense.”
“What do you mean by that?” Lentia asked, curious.
“I thought that even the commoners would recognize an empress like you. You don’t strike me as someone who stays locked away in the palace, associating only with officials.”
His words caught Lentia off guard. Was that a compliment? She wasn’t sure. Kirta noticed her hesitation and smiled.
“It’s a compliment, Your Majesty. You can relax your expression.”
“…What was my expression like?”
“It was very serious,” Kirta said lightly. “Anyone would think I had insulted you.”
His grin widened, and Lentia, being flustered, looked away.
‘This man is impossible,’ she thought, biting back her frustration.
—
As they reached the castle gates, Lentia stopped her horse and watched as Kirta turned to her one last time.
“I suppose this is goodbye for now,” he said.
“Yes, it is. Safe travels.”
Kirta smiled warmly. “It was a pleasure to meet you again today, Your Majesty.”
“…I enjoyed it as well,” Lentia replied, her tone measured.
She watched as Kirta and Asaka passed through the gates. Only after they disappeared from sight did she turn her horse back towards the palace.
—
Lentia’s mind churned as she returned to the palace in silence. There were still countless decisions to make, and one of the first was to consult her family.
That evening, over a simple dinner in the Empress’s Palace, Lentia revealed Kirta’s proposal to her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Paolin, as well as her younger brother, Lucnell.
When she finished explaining, the one who reacted most violently was Lucnell.
—
