The Saintess Returned to the Emperor's Arms

Women of West Palace 

 

“Your Majesty! Sorry for being early—!”

 

Asion, who heard that the emperor was in the office and hurriedly entered, immediately turned away with a blush on his face.

 

Riella and the lord were lying on the sofa in the office, their bodies stacked on top of each other.

 

Fortunately, Riella was asleep, but her bare shoulders were exposed through the thin blanket covering her body.

 

“Be quiet. Riella will wake up.”

 

“Well, then why are you being so comfortable in that small space?”

 

In fact, the lord remained calm as always, even though he was caught in an unexpected situation.

 

Asion’s gaze was focused on the bookshelf on the wall. 

 

Meanwhile, he heard a rustling sound behind him. It was the sound of Herhan standing up and hugging Riella.

 

“I’ll be right back, just wait.”

 

After ordering Asion, Herhan took Riella, who he held dearly, to his bedroom and laid her down.

 

Riella curled up on the sofa and then rolled over with a relaxed smile, apparently pleased with the move to the bed.

 

‘I won’t be able to go if you smile like that. I said I’ll be right back to Asion.’ 

 

Herhan stared at Riella for a long moment, as she slept, unaware of the world.

 

When he quietly looked at that lovely face, all the emotions that were agitated like angry waves calmed down peacefully.

 

It was like that last night too.

 

Herhan tried to tell Riella the whole truth.

 

She may be Ann’s descendant. El knew that, and the princess may also know, so there are at least two people targeting her, and there will be more in the future.

 

Of course, Herhan’s mouth didn’t open. He could tell Riella was scared and shaking.

 

At that time, Riella spoke first.

 

“Will you tell me tomorrow?”

 

It was Riella who was sitting across from Herhan and quietly waiting for him to open his mouth.

 

Riella must have been confused and unable to handle what happened that night, but instead of urging him to explain, she held Herhan’s hand.

 

“If you have a hard time talking now, please tell me tomorrow. I can wait.”

 

Riella then leaned her head against Herhan’s chest.

 

“I just want to sleep well in Your Majesty’s arms today.”

 

In truth, it was more Herhan’s desire, for all he wanted was to rest in her arms,

 

However, Riella recognized that first and looked forward to it.

 

‘I feel like you’re protecting me, not me protecting you. Riella.’

 

Herhan caressed Riella’s cheek, which was sleeping like an angel.

 

‘Of course. You are my goddess, and I am now a body that cannot live without your protection.’

 

Even though his feet didn’t move at all, Herhan slowly pulled himself up from Riella.

 

He was about to order them to take care of everything, but Asion’s face, waiting just outside the bedroom, looked so serious.

 

“It is said that the princess has arrived and is causing mischief in front of the castle gate.”

 

“what? Princess Greta? Did the princess really come to the castle?”

 

“Yes. I couldn’t believe it either, so I came to check it out for myself.”

 

Herhan chuckled in amusement, then summoned a servant to deliver an order.

 

“The emperor will come out to greet her in person, but until then, tell her to wait at the gate.”

 

After that, Herhan very leisurely washed his body in a bathtub filled with hot water and dressed himself carefully.

 

When he was satisfied that he was ready, he returned to the bedroom, stroked Riella’s still-sleeping head, and covered her with the blanket again.

 

After calling the maids in the bedroom, picking out the clothes Riella would wear today, and preparing a meal for Riella to eat when she woke up, Herhan slowly left the bedroom.

 

That was about three hours after the princess was told to wait.

 

“Isn’t it too early? Please leave it there for about ten more hours.”

 

“I feel like I want to do that.”

 

Herhan laughed along with Asion, who had a mischievous expression on his face.

 

“Still, I think I should go out and come back before Riella wakes up.”

 

To be precise, what he meant was that he wanted to make a deal with the princess before Riella woke up.

 

Herhan left Asion, who naturally followed him, behind.

 

“Asion. I’m done, you stay here for now. I don’t mind If you cut down anyone who approaches Riella on the spot.”

 

* * *

Greta, who was on the verge of exploding in the scorching sun, clenched her fists and trembled.

 

It was almost noon when Emperor Herhan, who had promised to greet the princess in person, appeared.

 

The gate was finally opened.

 

There was indeed an emperor standing in front of him, but that was all. 

 

There were no ordinary minister-level officials around the emperor, and only a few people who appeared to be young servants were standing quietly.

 

“Princess.”

 

“Yes. your majesty.”

 

The two people’s greeting ended with just briefly calling each other once.

 

It did not fit the royal family’s custom of spending the whole day just praising each other when welcoming a state guest.

 

“Your majesty. You came out really early.”

 

“I was especially in a hurry because I heard the princess was coming.”

 

“Thank you very much for the valuable treatment.”

 

“Yes. I hope you like my consideration.”

 

Several conversations took place without a single word being lost.

 

The only ones who could not overcome the tense tension that threatened to explode were the innocent gatekeepers and servants.

 

Greta tried to respond more harshly but held back. 

 

She can’t just fight with the emperor when she wants something.

 

“There is no need for a welcome banquet, so please let us into your palace immediately.”

 

Herhan had no intention of holding a welcome party in the first place.

 

Herhan was dumbfounded and then realized why Princess Greta was coming out in such a hurry.

 

Behind the princess, he saw a man who was almost falling over on his horse saddle and couldn’t control his body properly.

 

‘Fabian.’ 

 

Herhan spoke softly, his eyes devoid of any sympathy.

 

“Karma is so scary. No matter how shamelessly you run away, if you commit a crime, you will end up paying the price yourself somehow.”

 

“Your majesty!”

 

“That’s what I’m saying, Princess.”

 

Herhan responded with a relaxed smile to the princess, knowing she understood the meaning of his words.

 

Greta couldn’t resist any further. The more useless words she said, the more she lost.

 

“Guide the princess and her companion to the West Palace.”

 

“I will guide you.”

 

At that time, it was a handsome man with black hair who appeared before the princess following the emperor’s orders.

 

“This is El Weiss, An aide at the Liotta Embassy. I’m sorry I’m late, so I will take care of everything you need during your stay.”

 

Greta nodded grimly, then suddenly realized that the Emperor’s face had contorted considerably.

 

‘I don’t think this is because of me?’

 

Greta wanted to read more about the strange atmosphere that flowed between the emperor and his aide, but she didn’t have the time.

 

“Ugh…”

 

Behind her, Fabian started coughing. Her priority was to move him inside.

 

* * * 

 

“Call a doctor.”

 

That was the first thing Greta requested after entering the previously prepared accommodation.

 

The aide moved without a hitch, seemingly unperturbed by Greta’s nervousness, and took what she wanted without question.

 

“Is there anything else you need?”

 

“No, thank you.”

 

Just then, the imperial doctor arrived.

 

They say there was a very talented young doctor named ‘Jess’ in the imperial palace, but the one the emperor sent to Greta was just that old man.

 

‘Still, the empire is famous for its excellent medical skills.’ 

 

Sure enough, after the doctor gave him an injection to restore his energy, Fabian’s complexion was noticeably restored.

 

Of course, it was only a temporary solution, but that alone put Greta at ease. 

 

Now that she’d bought some time, she could start looking for another merchant to get the medicine.

 

“If you don’t need anything else, I’ll go. If you have a request, please have a servant deliver it to the embassy.”

 

“Ah. there is.”

 

After spending an hour or so, a thought came to me.

 

“Since the princess of the Liotta Kingdom is here, shouldn’t the ambassador personally greet her?”

 

Then she tilted her head mischievously, then lifted her chin haughtily and spoke.

 

“Bring the ambassador.”

 

“…..”

 

“Call Riella. Come here now and bow to me! officially. Politely.”

 

At that moment, a cold shadow appeared on El’s face, which had been expressionless the whole time.

 

“The Ambassador is busy with other work.”

 

“I’m here and I’m calling Riella! How dare you say something like that to the princess.”

 

Greta was taken aback by the unexpected answer and raised her voice even louder, but El dismissed her again.

 

“It is not an ambassador’s job to listen to rants.”

 

“….!”

 

“Of course, I don’t mean to say that the princess is a raving madwoman.”

 

‘Hah?’

 

Leaving Greta with her triangle-shaped eyes wide open, El left the West Palace, saying he would step down if there was no further business.

 

Greta was furious and dumbfounded.

 

* * *

 

The next morning.

 

Even though Herhan, who was not very fond of Greta, kept her existence quiet, the rumor that the princess of the Kingdom of Liotta had arrived at the imperial palace spread through the mouths of several people.

 

Among them, some of the maids, unable to overcome their curiosity, chose a quiet time in the morning to wander around the princess’s residence and came face to face with Greta.

 

“You must be the ones who work here?”

 

“Good morning. You must be the princess from the kingdom of Liota, and I am so honored to meet you.”

 

Greta, who had been treated poorly ever since she arrived at the imperial palace, really liked the maids who flirted with her.

 

Greta responded with a wry smile at the thought that these people might be able to obtain information about the circumstances of the imperial family or Riella.

 

But it wasn’t easy after that.

 

Greta deliberately brought them into the room, shared tea with them, and when she thought they had become quite close friends, she quietly brought up the topic of Riella.

 

“Oh, yes… Ambassador Riella.….”

 

As soon as Riella’s name was mentioned, all the maids looked away with confused faces, as if they had made a promise.

 

“Actually, His Majesty the Emperor has issued strict orders several times. We shouldn’t use our mouths carelessly…”

 

“That’s right. His Majesty is especially strict about the Ambassador.”

 

“I’m sorry. Princess. Shall I take you for a walk in the garden instead?”

 

‘What are you talking about? I’m going to freeze to death.’

 

Greta forgot her plan to maintain her honorable face in front of the maids and frowned.

 

“It’s okay. I want to rest alone, so everyone please leave.”

 

After issuing a ferocious order to the guests, Greta vented her anger alone.

 

“Princess Greta…?”

 

At that time, one of the maids who had just left cautiously returned and called Greta.

 

Among them, she was a woman with a rather dignified appearance.

 

“Why? What is it?”

 

“Well, I have heard that the princess has always cared for Riella ‘specially.’” 

 

Greta keenly noticed the maid’s eyes that sparkled especially when she said, ‘specially.’

 

‘Oh, Look at this?’ The corners of Greta’s mouth quirked up.

 

“Of course. Riella is my people, sent by the royal family, and a dear friend of mine.”

 

The maid smiled meaningfully at Greta’s naturally virtuous retort.

 

“Is that so? So, I think the princess deserves to hear news about Miss Riella. Actually, there are rumors floating around near Lake Palace these days.…do you want me to tell you a little bit?”

 

* * *