The Tyrant Wants To Live Honestly

‘Years had passed since I turned down his proposal. I could now say hello and make casual conversation, but I was still nervous to work closely together.’

 

Most of all, Dorothea thinks Ethan wouldn’t like it.

 

“I’m sure he will help because he is the most capable aide in Ubera.”

 

But Dorothea wasn’t in a position that she could refuse.

 

Besides, the only person who could tell her what Raymond was doing was his Aide, Theon.

 

“I understand, Your Majesty.”

 

“Then go straight back and discuss the matter with Theon.”

 

At Carnan’s words, Dorothea quietly retreated.

 

* * *

 

As soon as Dorothea left, Carnan leaned back in her chair.

 

“Your Majesty, are you okay?”

 

“It’s okay, Robert.”

 

Robert was worried about Carnan and prepared hot water for him.

 

Carnan took a slow, deep breath.

 

He has recently been feeling that his body is different from usual.

 

He hoped it was just a case of fatigue, but he also thought it might not be.

 

Raymond had become like this at such a time, so he was concerned about the future of the Empire.

 

“We must prepare for the worst, Robert.”

 

Robert comforted him by telling him not to say anything ominous, but Carnan shook his head.

 

No matter how much preparation he does, it’s not enough.

 

It was important for the stability of the empire to consider every possibility.

 

* * *

 

After talking with Carnan, Dorothea went straight to Raymond.

 

Ethan and Theon were still there.

 

As if waiting, both eyes turned to her.

 

Dorothea slowly passed between them and stood in front of Raymond.

 

Raymond greeted her with a smile.

 

“Your Highness The Crown Prince…”

 

Dorothea couldn’t call him ‘Ray’ because she felt unfamiliar and distant from Ray.

 

Dorothea wanted to say a few words to him for being an idiot.

 

‘Why did the idiot suddenly fall off his horse?!’

 

Raymond grabbed her hand as Dorothea stared at him with her mouth shut.

 

It was then that Dorothea realized that her hands were trembling.

 

Warmth came from Raymond’s hand.

 

“Dorothea, Dorothea Milanaire.”

 

Raymond called her as if recalling her name.

 

“So, how much do you remember?”

 

“Nothing. But Theon and Ethan told me things, like my name and what I was doing…”

 

Raymond listed the things he knew.

 

“And they told me about you too.”

 

“me…?”

 

“My only sister. A kind, pretty, and smart little sister.”

 

Dorothea couldn’t understand why she was about to cry at Raymond’s bright smile.

 

‘Why does his voice, which doesn’t know anything, feel so warm?’

 

“I heard that you have to do what I was doing for a while until I regain my memory.”

 

“Yes. You’ll have to find your memory quickly if you don’t want me to take your place.”

 

Dorothea was just threatening Raymond.

 

Then Raymond looked at her quietly and grabbed her hand even tighter.

 

“Sorry. You are having a hard time because of me.”

 

Raymond apologized like a fool.

 

‘Did he lose his memory and forget what the position of the Crown Prince was and how important it was?’

 

“It’s okay because you’re safe.”

 

For Raymond’s apology, she couldn’t blame him.

 

Perhaps this way, she thought, was giving her a chance to atone.

 

“I should go now.”

 

Dorothea let go of Raymond’s hand and turned her head.

 

“And you two, give me some of your time.”

 

When Dorothea spoke to Ethan and Theon, they both nodded.

 

They left Raymond with the doctor and attendant and went out.

 

“Theon.”

 

At Dorothea’s call, he recognized her purpose and bowed his head.

 

“I just heard about it. While The Princess takes over his duties, I will help you. If you have any questions or need anything, just call me.”

 

Her gaze then turned to Ethan.

 

Ethan nodded as if he couldn’t stop her.

 

“Theon, Raymond’s work should be organized by tomorrow and shipped to Renascor Palace… No, I’ll come over here tomorrow. I’ll have it organized by morning.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Theon nodded and looked into Dorothea’s eyes.

 

“Are you sure….you’re okay?”

 

Theon was concerned about her condition. He thought Dorothea must have been scared, too.

 

“It’s okay. It’ll be alright because Raymond is safe.”

 

“If you are struggling, please tell me.”

 

“Thank you, Theon.”

 

Dorothea nodded, but Theon already knew. Dorothea would not lean on him easily.

 

It’s been a long time since he proposed, and the scars left on their relationship had faded. However, Dorothea still kept her distance from him.

 

“Then, I will go now.”

 

One hour was not enough to handle Dorothea’s request, so Theon bowed politely and stepped back.

 

Then, Dorothea sighed and let her tense shoulders drop. She didn’t do anything, but she was already exhausted.

 

Then, a warm hand wrapped around her shoulder.

 

“Ethan.”

 

Dorothea turned to Ethan.

 

When she met him, it was as if something that had been tightly packed in her chest was loosening.

 

Dorothea rested her head on his shoulder.

 

“Will I be able to…?”

 

Dorothea asked, and Ethan hugged her.

 

“Sure. Princess.”

 

“I don’t understand the old me anymore. What on earth made me want to be emperor?”

 

Right now, she feels like she is about to vomit out of the burden.

 

How did she usurp such a terrifying place? Tyrant Dorothea Milanaire was genuinely ignorant.

 

Ethan held Dorothea tightly in his arms.

 

Dorothea clasped his chest and groaned, breathing heavily.

 

‘Is she crying? Should I tell her?’

 

Dorothea, leaning on him, immediately raised her head.

 

“Can we continue our music lessons?” Dorothea said.

 

But with Raymond’s job, Dorothea didn’t have time to laugh and play the piano with him.

 

No, she didn’t have time to spare.

 

But at the same time, she didn’t want to lose the only time she had with Ethan.

 

‘If I lost that, I couldn’t afford to survive the day.’

 

“I was stupid. I should have gotten you an official position.”

 

It was because of her that Ethan had not taken a government job until now and had only taken on Dorothea’s piano lessons.

 

No matter how handsome Ethan was and was welcomed in the social world, it was very difficult for him to find a place among the pure-blooded in the imperial palace.

 

Dorothea didn’t want him to have to face those obstacles again to get a government job.

 

No, actually, that was just a small excuse.

 

Dorothea didn’t want him to get into politics.

 

Ethan wanted to raise his name to suit the princess, but Dorothea didn’t want him to do that. She was concerned that he would make his way into politics and officially become a political figure.

 

It is burdensome for a young rookie to take control of the political world for a princess who lives quietly in the corner of the Imperial Palace.

 

Anyway, Carnan will soon die, and the biggest obstacle against their marriage will disappear.

 

Raymond is not the kind of person who would object to Dorothea marrying Ethan, and the gossip of other nobles doesn’t matter.

 

But Dorothea regretted it now.

 

“There are only a few months left until Carnan dies. what if…If happens to him before Raymond finds his memory…”

 

Dorothea trembled.

 

If that happens, Ubera will be thrown into chaos.

 

“Before that, His Majesty Raymond will find his memory. Even if he can’t find it, he will be able to fulfill the role of the Crown Prince.”

 

Ethan dared not mention the option of Dorothea taking the throne.

 

“Princess is only helping His Majesty Raymond. So you don’t have to be afraid.”

 

Ethan’s words fade her nervousness a little.

 

‘Was he right and I shouldn’t be afraid?’

 

“Ethan, please keep coming to the Imperial Palace using lessons as an excuse.”

 

Even if she can’t play the piano, she wants to see his face and talk to him.

 

“Don’t worry. No matter what happens, I will always be by your side.”

 

Ethan whispered sweetly in her ear.

 

* * *

 

“Raymond fell off his horse?”

 

A few days later, news of Raymond’s accident spread to neighboring countries.

 

The news reached the ears of Nereus, who became the new king of Hark.

 

‘That Raymond falls off his horse?’

 

Raymond always had poor grades in the Episteme. Still, he excelled in swordsmanship and horseback riding, and by the time he graduated, he was ranked first in that subject.

 

‘But then he fell off a horse. What a pathetic crown prince to fail at the only thing he was good at.’

 

“He had a head injury, but he is conscious now.”

 

“Let’s hope the head injury didn’t make him even more stupid.”

 

Nereus chuckled and laughed at Raymond.

 

“And since he hasn’t recovered yet, Princess Dorothea is taking over the Crown Prince’s affairs.”

 

“Dorothea?”

 

Nereus stopped laughing and fiddled with his chin.

 

It was bad news. Unlike Raymond, Dorothea was quite a concern.

 

He’d been relieved to find her shut up in a corner of the imperial, but she poked her head above the surface now.

 

“But what can she do when she has lost relations with nobles?”

 

Even as Nereus muttered that, his mind was on Ubera.

 

He paused for a moment, then opened his mouth again.

 

“Still… There’s nothing wrong with being careful.”

 

Nereus raised his head and called his servant.

 

“Send a gift of consolation to Ubera. The Crown Prince is injured, so he deserves it.”

 

He gave orders to his servant and got up.

 

* * *