Chapter 33
Even after Johann left, the greenhouse was filled only with talk of Johann.
“In the world, since becoming the emperor, I haven’t seen his face at the party hall, so I forgot, He was such a handsome man.”
“Today, something other than his face caught my eye., The affectionate gesture of presenting lilies to the empress was noticeable!”
“No, then what about the jewel? Did the emperor give it, or did the empress give it?”
“Well, Her Majesty didn’t say anything decisively and left…”
The ladies were still seeking the elusive truth.
“Lilies for the empress, and jewels for the empress consort, Then where does the emperor’s heart lie?”
“But isn’t it still a jewel? Not just any jewel, but the ‘Eye of the Sun.’ Everyone knows how expensive that is.”
“No, still it’s about ‘unchanging love.’ The one who received the flowers is the empress!”
“It’s really ambiguous.”
Johannes de Negeau, where does his heart truly lie?
The ladies were excited by the interesting topic that had arisen after a long time.
Some were betting, hanging their earrings or trinkets.
But everyone gathered their voices and spoke one thing in unison.
“Flora Hwangbi seems to have lost her restraint, doesn’t she?”
“She became Hwangbi in the first place, thanks to the glow of Lord Rhodian… Who would like that arrogant woman?”
“No matter what, being overshadowed by a maid…”
The ladies openly mocked Flora.
Before coming to the party, there were those who claimed that Flora would undoubtedly be the real deal.
But now, it turns out she’s not the real deal at all, worse off than a mere servant.
“…Madam, would you like to tour my palace now?”
Anel and Hwangbi were well aware of the various disturbances.
However, Anel pretended not to notice and approached Lady Sodel to strike up a conversation.
“Many aspects regarding livestock need discussion.”
“As you know, I do not have the authority, Your Majesty, Such matters are better suited for my husband.”
“Still, I would like to hear your opinion.”
Anel wanted to quickly end this tiresome party, Lady Sodel seemed to sense that and nodded in agreement.
“It would be an honor, Your Majesty.”
Once the reluctant acceptance came, Anel immediately wrapped up the party.
To the ladies who came this far, bouquets made of Shasta daisies and lilies, along with Corsage, were given.
“It was indeed a delightful party, Your Majesty.”
“Well, it’s your first time hosting a party as the hostess, but you managed to conclude it so perfectly. If His Grace had seen it, he would surely have been proud.”
“Please do invite us again next time, Your Majesty.”
Anel forced a smile in response to the greetings from the ladies.
Just a moment ago, those who sympathized with Jezel and pointed fingers at Annele completely changed their attitudes with the arrival of Johan.
Of course, the question of ‘who’ gave the jewel to Jezel was still a topic of debate.
But the atmosphere was clearly different from before.
The reason was obvious.
The Emperor’s evident respect for the Empress had changed everything.
As long as the Emperor’s favor was present, the dignity of the Empress was firmly protected.
It was the law of the social circle, and Annele was well aware of it, which made her feel bitter.
Today, she survived thanks to Johan’s caprice, but next time, she would undoubtedly be cast aside again.
“Your Majesty.”
At that moment, Lady Talyps approached her and offered a greeting.
“Lady Talyps, Thank you for coming all the way here.”
“Oh, no need for thanks, I’m just grateful that you summoned the old man from the back room for me.”
Lady Talyps said with a twinkle in her eye.
“Be cautious, Your Majesty.”
She leaded in, speaking softly so that only Anel could hear.
“…What are you talking about?”
“Johannes Magnun is much more dangerous and much colder than Your Majesty might think.”
“!”
Anel’s eyes widened.
However, Lady Talypsis detached herself without hesitation.
“Well then, I hope to see you again next time.”
Anel tried to grab Lady Talypsis, but two royal attendants approached her.
“Thank you for hosting the delightful party, Your Majesty.”
Flora greeted with an expressionless face.
“…Thank you.”
And Jiselle managed to utter just one word.
The two women didn’t seem happy or grateful at all, Anel had no intention of holding onto them either.
“Thank you for coming this far, I appreciate your cooperation.”
Flora finished her greeting and left without looking back, but Jiselle was different.
Jiselle glared at Anel with venomous eyes.
Anel was astonished at how fierce and malicious those eyes were.
“Are you comfortable ridiculing me in front of so many people?”
“What did you just say?”
Waiting until everyone had left, Jiselle finally revealed her true colors, Anel let out a bitter laugh.
“Do you feel relieved to humiliate me in front of all these people?”
“What did you just say?”
Anel raised his hand to cover Jiselle’s mouth.
“I really wanted to get along well with Your Majesty, I was even willing to help, But how can you treat me like some… like a bug?!”
“Second Empress.”
Anel covered Jiselle’s mouth with his hand.
“Verdi.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
After a short sigh, Anel gestured towards the Marchioness Sodel.
“Would you guide Marchioness Sodel to my office first?”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Anel did not want to reveal the flaws of the imperial family to Count Sodel’s wife, especially the flaw called “Jizel.”
Count Sodel’s wife obediently stepped back following Verdi.
She had sensed that it was time to leave.
After confirming that Count Sodel’s wife had moved far enough away, Anelle spoke to Jizel again.
“I have never needed your help, nor have I considered you an enemy.”
“You’ve always said that.”
Jizel burst into tears that she had been holding back.
“You’ve said that since I was a servant.”
“I’ve never-”
“I’ve seen it!”
Saying so, Jizel clenched her fists, holding the “Eye of the Sun” with both hands.
“Now I have no intention of enduring it, It’s a position where I don’t have to endure it!”
With determination, Jizel spoke.
“The Emperor commanded you to wear this jewel and go.”
“I thought it would come to that.”
“As expected.’’
I had anticipated it, but hearing it directly from Jezel made me burst into bitter laughter.
Was it really necessary to go to such lengths to ruin my party?
“And, she said it was a gift from the Empress, to tell Lady Houjak,” Jezel said without a care, once again uttering a falsehood.
If it meant causing Anel pain, it didn’t matter to Jezel.
All that occupied Jezel’s mind at the moment was the impulse to see Anel’s expression contorted.
What makes you so great? What makes you such an extraordinary person?
Sure enough, Anel’s expression began to stiffen in a menacing way.
Jezel wanted to revel in that sight, maybe even dance with joy.
Did you not think about this? Even with that supposedly brilliant mind of yours.
Jezel felt no remorse for telling lies, nor did he have any awareness of it.
No, he wasn’t even conscious of it.
“This gem is the compensation.”
Jezel said proudly.
“Lilies? It’s a pity to be amused by a single flower like that, After throwing away the flowers from Countess Samuel, receiving lilies from the Empress seems to bring you great pleasure, doesn’t it?”
Anel couldn’t regain her composure, Every word from Jezel felt like a dagger, piercing Anel’s heart.
I thought bringing the jewels was an order from Johan, of course. Johan dislikes Samuel.
But to make me lie that I ordered it?
It’s not that Samuel is disliked, but he wanted to belittle me.
What did I do wrong to you?
I said I would obey you, kneel down as you wish.
To someone who pushed my family, my lineage, and me to the edge of the cliff.
Even at this extent.
Are you trying to ruin me in front of so many people?
Even at the first party.
The disgrace of the empress is soon the disgrace of the emperor.
Ruining my own honor to this extent…
Anel’s mind went cold.
After all this, you pretend to be on my side. Shameless.
What angers me the most is that Jezel’s words are correct.
The moment I received the lilies, Anel shook involuntarily, Maybe this person isn’t as bad as I thought.
If the issue with Samuel is resolved, there might still be hope.
Even if we’re not a happy couple, maybe we can each lead our own lives.
Truly foolish and naive thoughts, Trusting Johannes.
“Is everything you wanted to say finished, Jezel?”
But the cold heart is still a heart, and the figure in front of her is Jezel.
