Chapter 27
It was evident why there was certainty in the voice.
The list was thoroughly composed of moderate faction nobles.
Moreover, it consisted only of families that did not easily engage in politics.
Even among the moderate faction nobles, one could not find the Lady of Lord Rodian.
Not only that, but all the nobles from the Gesh Salon were also excluded.
The determination to remove any potential factors that could cause interference was apparent.
Her Majesty the Empress also seemed to have no intention of letting this tea party operation fail.
‘It’s probably because of Duke Gears.’
Ern felt a bitter taste in his mouth.
If this incident were to fail, everyone knew that Samuel’s lifespan would be shortened.
As Anel’s devotion and affection for Samuel became more apparent, Ern’s feelings became even more complicated.
Initially, Ern was not a romantic servant who wished for love or affection between the Emperor and Empress.
On the contrary, it was the opposite.
He firmly believed that emotions such as love between a man and a woman could not be trusted, and the two responsible for the empire should not be bound by mere feelings.
The reason for the delayed coronation but not the marriage was also part of that belief.
However, not long ago, seeing Johann’s figure in the office, Ern felt that something was going wrong.
“Successor?”
As Ern’s silence lingered longer than expected, Anel prodded him.
“I apologize, Your Majesty. It’s a flawless invitation list, and I cannot add anything more.”
“Well, I appreciate your efforts.”
Anel retrieved the invitation list without further words.
“Have all the invitations been sent?”
Ern asked cautiously. Even with a perfect invitation list, it would be in vain if they didn’t come. Currently, Anel’s authority had significantly diminished, all because of Johann.
“That damn human. Just be a bit more cautious.”
Ern cursed Johann internally before looking at Anel. He respected and valued talent; after all, Anel was the one who handled practical matters. Each individual talent was precious.
In Ern’s view, Anel Morata was undoubtedly a talent. It was quite rare, even if one was raised as an empress, to receive good education and truly absorb it. Just because you raised a rock as an empress didn’t mean the rock could become regal.
“It seems there was a reason why Morata Dukedom’s Duke held his position for so many years.”
Ern quickly changed his evaluation of Anel.
From a virtually non-existent presence, she became the Empress of Zero to the Empress of Plus.
A competent empress was not only the fortune of the empire but also Ern’s fortune.
“Everyone replied that they would attend. The empresses will be personally invited by me.”
“!”
They’ve already received all the replies?
Ern was surprised once again. No, they all agreed to come?
“I’m surprised.”
“…I’m embarrassed, but yes. How did you manage to do that?”
Anel smiled bitterly. It was surprising.
Considering that the entire empire was secretly enjoying her downfall.
“I made it clear that not only I will be attending this tea party, but both empresses will be attending.”
Anel looked straight at Ern.
“People usually find it hard to give up on something enjoyable.”
“….”
Eren’s expression stiffened as he immediately grasped Anel’s words.
In essence, the statement could be paraphrased as follows:
To witness the empress, who lives under the overwhelming gaze of two empresses, everyone comes to the imperial palace. Eren couldn’t bring himself to speak in the face of the resignation and harsh reality that seemed unbelievable from the empress’s mouth.
“That being said, there’s nothing to worry about, Marquis.”
Anel spoke gently as if penetrating Eren’s emotions.
“While it’s true that I’m leveraging their expectations, I haven’t promised to fulfill those expectations.”
With an eerie and reassuring implication, Eren’s eyes lit up.
“What are your thoughts on the two empress mamas?”
“Well, I’m not sure.”
Anel took a sip from the tea brought by Verdi.
A bitter fragrance permeated the air.
“The Marquis must be concerned about the first empress, right?”
“…Yes.”
“Ern readily admitted it.’’
1st Princess Flora was a woman with a strong sense of pride.
If it weren’t for Lord Rodian, she would never have accepted the position of empress.
Would she cooperate gracefully with Anel, who had risen to the position of empress by suppressing herself?
Ern was skeptical.
“Verdi brewed the tea deliciously, try it.”
However, Anel seemed rather composed. Ern drank the tea, suppressing his unease.
“In truth, I’m not worried about that side.”
!”
Warmth filled his mouth, while a coldness settled in his chest.
“What worries me is the 2nd Princess.”
Anel quietly set down the teacup, with flawless precision.
Giselle hadn’t even thought about leaving her bed for several days.
It was because of the rather shocking breakfast a few days ago.
Everyone felt like they were living in a different world.
Johannes, Anel, Samuel. And Giselle, stupid and isolated from them.
It wasn’t just because she couldn’t understand a word about diplomacy and politics.
The Emperor treated Giselle as if she didn’t exist.
Was it only the Emperor who did that?
Anel and Samuel also seemed to have stopped recognizing Giselle’s existence at some point.
It was frustrating and shameful. Anel’s world seemed enviable yet repulsive.
Controlling the fate of several countries with a few words.
Not yielding to the most terrifying Emperor in the world and saying what needed to be said.
Samuel, who struggled to protect such Anel.
It was all envy and anger, unbearable.
It might have been different if Anel had shown anger or sadness when facing her.
If that had happened, she might not have been so upset.
She might have even felt sorry.
However, Anel didn’t seem to consider her as a competitor or an equal.
‘No, it seemed like he didn’t even treat me like a person.’
How could that be?
Giselle gritted her teeth. You are also a person like me. What are you saying?
“Jezel, remember this.”
Jezel’s mother held her hand until the day she died.
“You must never, never let anyone know who your father is. Do you understand?”
“Why?”
Jezel protested to her mother’s incomprehensible words. Rather than being the youngest daughter of a servant, being the illegitimate child of a duke would be better.
“There’s no guarantee that you’re the duke’s daughter!”
Jezel’s mother said with a very anxious face.
“Don’t hurt your father. Do you want to do the same thing to your brothers who might die in battle?”
“But still…”
“And if people find out that you are the duke’s daughter, do you think they will leave you alone? The knight commander would be the first to secretly cut your throat.”
Now she said it as if sobbing.
“Your mother is dying, and you’re going to drive a nail into her heart like this? Can’t you grant me this one thing?”
In the end, Jezel had to nod her head against her will. After making promises with her fingers crossed, her mother closed her eyes.
“But, Mom.”
Jezel raised her tear-stained face from the pillow.
“Now there is no knight commander to kill me, and no mother to drive a nail into my chest. Why do I still have a reason to keep the secret?’’
Giselle wanted to somehow flatten Anel’s nose.
In fact, she, like Anel, inherited the bloodline of the Grand Duke.
She wanted to make it known that she was just as qualified as Anel.
However, the only thing that weighed on her mind was her family.
Since she entered the palace, she hasn’t seen her family once – they must be anxiously worrying about her.
How disappointed would her father be when he finds out that she is the daughter of the Grand Duke?
Her brothers would probably collapse in surprise.
After much contemplation, Giselle decided to keep her secret buried a little deeper in her heart.
However, she promised herself that she wouldn’t keep it buried forever.
Instead, for now –
“I will go to the Emperor. So help me prepare to leave.”
‘’It was time for a different course of action.”
