Villainous Lady, The Obsession Begins

【Chapter 24】

 

Lafesch’s forehead twitched on one side.

“Ah, no, it’s not like that. Since my mistake last time, we’ve been talking openly and have become quite close… You know, Minuelle is quite shy, so that’s probably why she’s acting that way.”

“Is that so?”

You’re shy? That statement felt awkward to Esadien.

‘Was Minuelle shy?’

She clearly told him he was handsome on the first day they met. She also said she was happy to be engaged to him.

”On the contrary, wasn’t she rather aggressive?’

Whether it was expressions or physical intimacy.

But something strange happened. Even when thinking about Minuelle, his heart didn’t race like crazy or his face didn’t flush.

Neither her face nor her voice came to mind.

‘It’s the same as…. last time.’

And back then, as well as now, Lafesch was by his side. In that case, wouldn’t it be easier to talk about Minuel with Lady Celeste?

‘I think I can get out of this maze.’

It was uncomfortable that his gaze kept reaching Lafesch, but when it comes to having a conversation, it is natural to face the other person. Besides, she did mention being Minuelle’s friend.

“Then shall we go to my palace together and have a conversation.”

“Oh, it’s an honor.”

Lafesch had no reason to refuse. Throughout the journey to the Imperial Palace, Esadien remained silent, but Lafesch was too preoccupied with suppressing her excitement to pay attention to him.

‘Finally, I get to enter the Palace of the Third Prince!’

Unlike the grandeur of the Imperial Palace or the Emperor’s main residence, the Third Prince’s Palace was relatively simple and neat in decoration. It reflected Esadien’s preference for understated elegance and aversion to anything flashy or extravagant. The attendant was slightly surprised when Esadien brought a woman with him, but he discreetly bowed without showing any signs of astonishment.

However, the place he guided them to was not the private parlor where Minuelle and Esadien had spent time together, but a reception room closer to the entrance. Lafesch, unaware of this, smiled brightly. However, after hearing Esadien’s story, all that remained on her face was a forced smile, barely hanging on.

‘What is this? Are we both just wasting our time?’

No, that’s not it. Minuelle openly expressed his affection for Esadien without hesitation. It was Esadien alone who was trapped in the past and engaged in futile efforts.

‘Ha, how typical. Minuelle… you keep all the good things for yourself.’

At first, she wanted to get closer, but as she kept getting rejected by Minuelle, Lafesch’s feelings became twisted. The one-sided relationship was exhausting for both Lafesch and Minuelle. Moreover, now that Lafesch had developed feelings for Esadien, she couldn’t genuinely like Minuelle anymore.

‘The most prestigious family in the empire, immense wealth, and beauty, and easily obtaining Esadien.’

Lafesch honestly felt a twinge of envy as someone who rose from the bottom.

‘I’ve been through a lot.’

She would prefer it if Esadien came to her when their relationship is strained. With that thought in mind, Lafesch composed herself once again.

“Shall I help you then?”

“You would help?”

“It seems like you need to first honestly examine your own heart, Your Highness. In order to do that…”

Lafesch had a pure-looking smile on her face.

“For the time being, it would be best to refrain from meeting Miss Minuelle and take some time to think calmly.”

💧

“Dien, I have heard some astonishing news.”

“What is it, Your Majesty?”

It was tea time. The Crown Princess has been away from the Imperial Palace for a while due to a schedule that cannot be postponed. The Emperor and Esadien were spending time alone.

“You invited Lady Celeste to the your palace.”

“Yes.”

Esadien was neither surprised nor did he hesitate to respond positively. There was nothing happening within the palace that the Emperor was unaware of.

“Do you happen to have feelings for Lady Celeste?”

“Excuse me?”

“I’m saying this because my baby doesn’t enter the Imperial Palace these days.”

“No, it’s not like that. Minuelle…”

I love you, she said.

Throb.

A sudden pang struck his heart as he recalled that moment, the moment when his heart had quieted down upon meeting Lafesch.

‘Is this guilt?’

Because I hurt you.

Esadien thought so.

“Minuelle is busy. Isn’t the second princess’s wedding just around the corner?”

The Emperor raised one eyebrow.

‘It doesn’t seem like you’re particularly pleased, considering how naturally you’re calling her name.’

However, it was not something to pass over lightly when the reclusive Esadien invited someone to his palace. It was an unusual occurrence that raised suspicions.

“If that’s the case, what about Lady Celeste?”

“I simply met her briefly to ask something.”

The Emperor tapped his fingers on the armrest.

‘I guess it’s about time.’

The Emperor, without even realizing that he had already crossed the line, thought to himself that it would be strange to pry too much into the grown-up lad’s relationships.

“But regarding Lady Celeste’s words…”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you find them somewhat peculiar?”

Somewhat peculiar. Esadien quietly set down the teacup he was holding.

‘Did Your Majesty also sense something peculiar?’

The serenity that draws him toward Lafesch when their eyes meet. A mysterious attraction. However, he couldn’t help but notice the ‘unexplainable’ aspect of it. So, Esadien, in an attempt to provide a plausible explanation, put forward another conjectured reason.

“She resembles my mother a lot, don’t you think?”

“Well, I did notice the resemblance in the eyes, but people can resemble each other, can’t they?”

“If that’s the case…”

“Even the similarity in the position of the moles is strangely uncanny.”

But the resemblance to Maya is only in the face. In all other aspects, she was completely different.

“Anyway, you must know that the young lady was adopted by the Marqius.”

“That’s what I’ve heard, Your Majesty.”

“I’ve heard that Celeste family greatly flourished with the assistance of the young lady.”

The peculiar aspect lies in that. 

Viscount Celeste has several small businesses, which were struggling in the southern desert area. However, with Lafesch’s advice to focus on a few essential items, he managed to turn the tide and experience an upward trend.

It was also mentioned that he was able to anticipate and mitigate the attacks of desert bandits, minimizing the damage caused.

“I thought it was possible due to her deep understanding of the desert border region, having grown up there. But… well, I’m not so sure.”

It might be more appropriate to say that she didn’t live up to expectations rather than embarrassingly admitting she fell short in various aspects. Perhaps it’s better to say that she didn’t have any particular thoughts about it.

“Yes, it was said that when he first met the young lady at the salon, he was captivated by the young lady who reciting a poem by Gritchio.”

Grichio is a disciple of Rofje and a renowned poet, although not as famous as his mentor Enticllo. Interestingly, Viscount Celeste happened to have a greater fondness for Grichio.

Lafesch, who was unaware of the significance of Rofje and Enticllo, caught the attention of Viscount Celeste.

“But she was able to talk fluently about items she recommended to the Viscount and the reason for that.”

‘As if he had memorized them.’

The Emperor didn’t say those words out loud, but Esadien immediately understood. Realizing that it wasn’t for the same reasons as himself, the disappointment hidden beneath his words stiffened his expression.

“Your Majesty, does that mean….”

“Well.”

The Emperor nodded as if to continue.

“Do you think Lady Celeste a spy from Chitrum?”

Chitrum, the nation beyond the desert. It was a place where not only did they refuse to kneel to the Empire, but the borderland people were also known for their persistent lawlessness and constant acts of thievery.

“The young lady was the daughter of Baron Tempest before she was adopted by Viscount Celeste. For some reason, she may have crossed over to Chitrum… However, there is one thing.”

The Emperor tapped his armrest once again, as if contemplating for a moment.

“Have you heard of the ‘Church of Fire’?”

“I have heard Theodore mention it before. Not only do they pose a problem among desert bandits, but also within that cult…”

Esadien’s low voice faltered and then resumed again.

“By any chance.”

“Yes, I am considering that as well.”

The Church of Fire, a group that denied the existence of gods and worshipped fire itself, was already a source of controversy. However, it became an even bigger problem when they started committing arson under the pretext of offering sacrifices to fire. 

Naturally, the Emperor immediately issued a prohibition order against the Church of Fire. In addition to resisting them, it was only natural to consider increasing influence among the privileged class.

“So, I’m thinking of assigning you to observe. It seems that you’ve gotten close to the young lady lately, coincidentally…”

“We just had a brief conversation.”

“Yeah. I don’t know what our baby will say, but…”

“Your Majesty!”

The emperor chuckled. He found it more amusing to tease the composed fellow.

“You can leave. Be cautious not to let it leak.”

“I’ll do my best.”

With heartfelt sincerity, Esadien spoke.

Both the Emperor and the Crown Princess wholeheartedly accepted him, knowing that he had suffered abuse from his mother, and they raised him to this extent.

He always wanted to repay their kindness.

‘I will uncover it no matter what.’

After Esadien, who had made such a determination, left, and some time passed, the Emperor suddenly sighed in frustration, holding his forehead.

“Oh dear.”

“Are you uncomfortable, Your Majesty?”

“No, nothing.”

The Emperor quickly extended his hand to the attentive attendant and inwardly bit his tongue.

‘I wish I could tell the little one.’

The Second Princess of Karainen, owner of a massive consortium that dominates the empire’s commercial sector. He had every reason to expect significant support from her. Of course, he had instructed not to disclose anything, but Minuelle was out of the question.

‘I hope you have that much flexibility.’

Until then, the Emperor was still unaware of the fact that Esadien is more straightforward than he had imagined.

💧

Sister Juella’s wedding was incredibly splendid, beyond compare. The weather was clear, and there was not a single flaw in the decorations.

‘It’s perfect!’

I smiled with pride, and among them, our sister was the most perfect.

“You look really good, Sister. It suits you, and it makes you even more beautiful.”

“It’s because our youngest chose it well for me.”

Sister Elga was married in the northern province because she was the heir.

‘It was really cold at that time.’

It was winter, and it was colder than usual. Even I, who was weak but strong in the cold, was shivering a bit from the cold. However, the snowy landscape and the red decorations combined to create a majestic and beautiful wedding ceremony.

‘But now it is midsummer.’

The sun was shining brightly, and moreover, the second daughter, Sister Juella, was free from such traditions. Because of that, they were able to hold the wedding ceremony in Roquette just as it was.

“Oh, it’s the imperial carriage.”

“It seems like a gift from the Imperial Family.”

Through the guests’ conversation near the window, I could tell that Esadien had arrived.

‘Uh, what should I do?’

I was extremely nervous. It was the first time I had seen Esadien since our last meeting.

‘How should I act?’

I’m glad today is my sister’s wedding. As long as I don’t cling to Essadien and behave quietly, my family shouldn’t find it strange.

“Ah, the Third Prince has arrived. He has grown so well. I’m always amazed when I see him.”

“Haha, me too. Hmm? But who is that red-haired young lady?”

…Lafesch. My ears seemed to triple in size as my entire body went cold. I deliberately took a sip of water to hide my trembling lips.

“Who is the escort for His Highness? I heard that he is engaged to the youngest princess of Karinen.”

“Oh my gosh. Sir Tregosnan is also accompanying them.”

The ladies by the window and I simultaneously let out a sigh of relief.

‘I’m a little relieved if Theo was with them, but….’

It was strange.

‘Lafesch is attending the wedding today, so it must be the day she doesn’t enter the Imperial Palace.’

Why did he appear riding in the imperial carriage with Esadien? As I pondered, my mouth felt as dry as rolling grains of sand.

💧

Thank you for reading!