Chapter 32
Anel calmly inquired, So calm that it seemed as if she might be sucking on ice, given her composure.
While the noblewomen’s expressions turned more amusing by the moment, Lady Sodel couldn’t share in their amusement.
She too, was well aware of the rumors surrounding the Second Empress.
Once a palace maid, she became an empress overnight due to the emperor’s caprice.
She may have the appearance of an empress, but if you open her mouth, the foundation is revealed.
That’s why Lady Sodel had shown only mild discomfort when Jezelle proudly presented the “Eye of the Sun.”
Even to a child who had been a maid until the day before, she couldn’t demand exemplary manners, political insight, and historical knowledge.
She thought it was just a display of affection that accidentally revealed her ignorance.
However, if it was done under the empress’s command, it changes everything.
A lot changes.
“Her Majesty the Empress has temporarily borrowed the jewelry in her authority, and she instructed you to wear it today. She said, ‘Let’s forget the past and live well from now on.'”
Suddenly, tears welled up in Jezelle’s eyes. She looked unjustly treated, full of frustration, and sadness.
By now, the minds of the ladies-in-waiting, who had been silent, were filled with confusion.
Is it really true that the empress set a trap for the Second Empress?
Even at the risk of turning Cartar into an enemy?
It seemed too innocent to doubt Jezelle’s words.
Even for the noblewomen, the information about Anel was not only lacking but far too insufficient.
Anel appeared to be nothing more than a young empress, dignified and imposing.
Honestly, she seemed to have the ability to execute her duties.
“It’s really a strange situation.”
In her own way, Anel was astonished to the core.
Not only had she betrayed the gods, but what kind of words were those, maligning herself to such an extent?
What terrible misdeed had she committed to deserve such dreadful defamation?
Anel couldn’t understand Jizelle.
“I’ve been treating Hwangbi with goodwill, but Hwangbi is treating me with malice. What reason could there be for her to fabricate non-existent facts and insult me and Lady Sodel in this way?”
“Non-existent facts! Why would I insult His Majesty with false information! I sincerely served His Majesty even during these past years. His Majesty, who brought me all the way to the palace, knows it better than anyone.”
Jizelle was truly surprised at herself.
Although she had come with a firm determination, she didn’t know she could handle it this well.
“So, even after becoming Hwangbi, I devoted my heart to serving His Majesty, wanting to be the greatest support by His side. But the price I paid for that devotion is this…”
Jizelle shed tears.
“Why are you causing me such disgrace, jeopardizing the relationship between the two countries?”
By now, it was hard not to believe Jizelle’s words.
The majority of the noble ladies had already fallen for Jizelle’s lies.
The only ones who hadn’t were only two: Verdi and, surprisingly, Flora.
“She’s incredibly insane.”
Flora pursed her lips as she watched Giselle, who appeared much more ruthless than she had anticipated.
Naturally, Flora didn’t believe a word Giselle said.
It wasn’t because she trusted Annelle.
It was because her trust in Giselle had almost hit rock bottom.
The problem was that, even in Flora’s eyes, Giselle’s tears seemed quite convincing.
The coarse tone, reminiscent of a servant, oddly felt more genuine.
“I know that Her Majesty’s heart was hurt because of me. But this is really too much.”
Giselle accepted the handkerchief offered by the lady beside her.
Then, she diligently wiped away her tears. The act was truly impressive.
Verdi was so astonished that he kept bursting into forced laughter, “H-ha, ha,” for the umpteenth time.
But the most bewildered person at the moment was Annelle.
“Is it really true?”
“I don’t know, But for it to come to this… Is it a lie?”
“I didn’t think it would go this far, but is Empress really that amazing?”
“A quiet cat is the first to climb onto the hearth. Moreover, she was raised as the Crown Princess for a whole 10 years. Is she an ordinary woman?”
“Well, considering Morata Duke, she can’t be an ordinary woman.”
“On the other hand, the Second Empress has only just entered society now.”
“True, what a place it is. It turns a person wicked in an instant!”
Anel was truly perplexed.
In fact, he didn’t care about the misunderstandings that the noble ladies harbored.
After all, they were people who would misunderstand on their own and resolve misunderstandings on their own.
But Lady Sodel, the wife of the postmaster, was different. He had to prevent her from misunderstanding.
‘But how on earth?’
At least he would need to be as influential as Ern or the Emperor to prove the truth.
But Ern was currently busy trying to persuade the ambassador.
By the time he arrived at the greenhouse, Lady Sodel would probably have left for Kartar.
There was no guarantee that she would believe Ern’s words.
And, of course, the Emperor would never take her side.
It was more likely that Jazel’s words were correct.
It was truly a despairing situation.
And at that moment,
“Announcement for His Imperial Majesty!”
A situation of unknown outcome, whether it would be a greater disaster or salvation, had arrived.
“Why did the Emperor come here in the first place?”
No one remained unruffled by the sudden appearance.
The man who had shown no interest in the affairs of women? Why bother coming here?
For whom?
“I present to you the Sun of the Empire.”
However, despite the confusion, one had to gather themselves. The noblewomen were the quickest to offer their greetings.
Even Anel and Jezel, who had been engaged in an argument just moments ago, bowed their heads in bewilderment.
“I had no intention of disrupting the party,” said Johan.
At Johan’s words, everyone looked up.
“I just thought it might be nice to stop by once, especially since it’s a party the Empress has taken a particular interest in.”
Johan said this with a slight smile, directed towards Anel.
A small sigh of admiration echoed in the room.
One of the most representative figures among them was Lady Talyps, the wife of the Marquis.
As the government of the Sun Emperor and a prominent figure in high society, she had managed to hold her ground even after the Sun Emperor’s demise.
Thanks to Johan turning a blind eye to her existence.
It wasn’t time to cast her aside yet; she still had some usefulness.
Lady Talyps pursed her lips.
She had shone brightly even during the coronation ceremony, but today was truly…
Indeed, she had a renowned face since the days of the Magnum Duke.
It was remarkable back then, but now it seemed as if the blessings of the gods were poured onto her face.
“I didn’t disturb anything, Your Majesty?”
“…Of course not, It’s also a party for Your Majesty.”
Anel raised the corners of her mouth as much as she could.
This insane person. How did he even find this place?
As if putting a jewel around Jigel’s neck wasn’t enough, he had to come here on his own.
“Chastadeige.”
Johan looked around the white Chastadeige flower garden surrounding the party venue.
He gathered only the flowers that resembled him.
A flower with the meaning of ‘peace.’
If there were flowers with the meanings of apology or reconciliation, he would have trampled on them.
As long as he was the emperor, Stein would never bow his head to Cartar.
But peace…
Is that all you want? Johan scoffed at the frozen Anel.
A woman who can have everything she wants is only desiring peace.
“Are you enjoying the party, Countess Sodel?”
Johan greeted the countess with an affectionate voice. Of course, she was on the verge of fainting.
The person in front of her was the emperor, known as the one who hated Cartar the most in the world.
“Of course, Your Majesty. Thanks to Your Majesty’s care, we are enjoying the early spring of Stein.”
“Not because of me, but thanks to the Empress.”
vvJohn answered vaguely, as if drawing and erasing a line.
“The queen has put a lot of effort into it.”
“…!”
Lady Sodel, surprised, looked back and forth between Anel and John.
“Lady Sodel, do you know the meaning of Shasta daisies?”
“I’m not knowledgeable enough…”
Lady Sodel hastily bowed her head.
Then John looked at Anel with a strange expression. Still not showing his true colors.
“In Stein, Shasta daisies symbolize peace.”
“Ah…!”
Admiration spread in Lady Sodel’s eyes.
“But I don’t know the meaning of lilies, Your Majesty.”
John, with a sly smile, asked Anel.
“It means unchanging love, Your Majesty.”
Despite knowing everything, Anel responded with a trembling smile. Johan was clearly helping Anel, but why?
“Is that so?”
Johan raised a single stem of oriental lily from the vase. The fragrant scent unique to oriental lilies filled the air, as if deliberately choosing something with a deep aroma. It was evident how much the queen had staked on this party. The more evident it became, the more distorted Johan’s feelings became. It was a peculiar situation.
“Peace and love.”
Johan slowly looked away from the lily, turning his gaze towards his queen.
Yes, if your desperation is Samuel Gears.
Let that desperation allow you to escape from this country.
But Anel…
“In truth, it’s not a combination that suits well, but…”
After that, where will your desperation lead?
“!”
Everyone’s eyes widened.
The Emperor suddenly handed a lily to the Empress.
Among them, Anel was the most surprised.
So surprised that Anel couldn’t even think about refusing the flowers.
“Are you not going to accept it, my lady?”
At those words, Anel loosened the grip on her tightly clenched hands.
And she accepted the flowers he was offering. The refreshing scent of carefully chosen lilies brushed against her nose.
As soon as Anel received the flowers, Johann seemed to lose interest, immediately wiping away his expression.
“Please, everyone, take a seat.”
At Johann’s words, those who had been absentmindedly observing the situation snapped back to attention.
“I’ve just made a brief stop, so please continue to enjoy the party.”
After saying that, Johann briefly greeted the others as well.
Then, his gaze fell squarely on Gizel, who was standing there like a lost dog. Johann commented that Gizel looked as bored as a dog without an owner.
“Gems suit you quite well, Vee. Make sure Vee gets them.”
Anyway, Johann was a man who calculated things clearly.
