Before the break of dawn, the lights were on in the emperor’s office for a private meeting between Acting Empress Monica and Grand Duke Albrecht.
Today, the two would discuss two crucial topics: the electoral vote for the next emperor and granting Minister Linke of the Ministry of Magic permission for a business trip.
“Did you sleep peacefully, Aunt?”
“Just like any other night. I hope you rested well too, Grand Duke.”
“I am similar to you, Aunt.”
Until the future emperor is decided, neither could sleep comfortably. Their positions were alike.
Having subtly confirmed their similar circumstances, Monica and Karl exchanged faint smiles.
Entering the palace came with unavoidable burdens. While some might envy their wealth, with it came immense responsibility.
Monica often dreamt of discarding her rights to escape to faraway places, overwhelmed by the weight of her status.
Especially after sending off her husband and then her son, the palace life became intolerable.
People were obsessed with securing their interests.
While it’s human nature to look after one’s own benefit, Monica had witnessed that instinct overshadow some of the most basic decencies.
In that process, she had even lost her entire family. Now, left utterly alone, the palace no longer felt like the dream space it had seemed to her as a sixteen-year-old girl.
It had turned into a silent battleground, filled with the cries and tears of the many sacrificed, far exceeding what Monica could bear.
Yet, even as she took on the role of Acting Empress, she remained in the center of this dreadful palace life, striving to break the terrible cycle of suffering.
“You look more tired than usual today.”
The shadows under Monica’s eyes reflected her inner struggle. She was likely just trying to find the strength to go on each day.
“…If I can cut ties with them, I might finally be able to rest.”
The palace, which seemed to offer everything, had in fact taken everything from her. She longed to escape, but the time was not yet right.
Marina and her son Franz, driven by the reckless greed to place her son on the throne, had sacrificed many innocent lives. This pain would not end without addressing them.
Though there was no concrete evidence, Monica was convinced that Marina had taken her family away.
In her heart, she wished to grab a gun and confront Marina directly, but such actions would solve nothing.
While it might offer a momentary thrill, it would not resolve the fundamental issues at hand.
“Let’s reveal all their wrongdoings and the countless lives they have taken. They will pay dearly for the price of those lives.”
“Yes, Aunt. You must do that.”
Even without blood ties, the two were family. Monica and Karl exchanged silent glances, understanding the similar threads of sorrow they each held in their hearts.
“…So I’m thinking of moving the election for the electorate forward.”
“How much earlier are you planning to push it?”
“I intend to hold it on the last day of this month.”
“The last day of this month… That means there are only about fifteen days left.”
“Yes. There’s no reason to delay. The sooner the Duke claims the imperial throne, the sooner we can thoroughly investigate all the wrongs they have committed.”
Karl nodded, his thoughts aligned with hers. To prevent those who commit evil from acting on their desires, they needed to realize that what they want is not truly theirs.
For this, he planned to finally conduct a thorough investigation into the Duke of Toskour’s corrupt dealings, which had been repeatedly obstructed in the past.
However, if he failed to ascend to the throne, Franz would seek to oust him just the same. In this situation, to avoid being purged, one must act first; the best defense is a strong offense.
“I hear you are investigating the upper echelons.”
“Yes. There are numerous suspicions regarding the funding from the Duke of Toskour.”
“Well done. Even a half-hearted prince can act arrogantly under false authority. I feel relieved that we can finally investigate.”
“Yes. I too am grateful to find evidence for the suspicions I’ve had all this time.”
Despite a few exchanged words, Monica sighed deeply several times, showing her fatigue.
“Have you eaten?”
“I’ve lost my appetite.”
“You mustn’t do that. It’s not about enjoying food; it’s about doing what needs to be done…”
“Yes. I have to endure until the vote is held and I see the Duke safely on the throne. I understand.”
“It’s not just that. I wish… for you, Aunt, to remain healthy even after that.”
With a slight smirk, Monica’s cracked lips curled into a dry smile.
“What good is living healthily alone?”
She had lost her beloved husband and children. Although she swallowed her thoughts, Karl felt he understood her heart already.
She had lost the goals she had set for her life, as well as all her loved ones with whom she wished to spend her remaining days. The only things keeping her alive now were a deep-seated desire for revenge and a hint of responsibility.
If the reasons and purposes to endure were to vanish, would she be able to hold on after that? Monica didn’t want that.
“Your uncle and Emperor Maximilian wish for your aunt to live healthy and happily each day.”
It was a vague and overly comforting statement. Monica averted her gaze from Karl and stared blankly into space. Everything felt burdensome.
She was tired. She just wanted to rest. She hoped everything would find its place and return to normal soon.
“Oh, I heard that Minister Linke has requested to be dispatched.”
It was time to move past her sentiments. Shaking off her daze, Monica rummaged through a pile of papers and pulled out a document.
“Yes.”
“The reason… Well, the Duke probably had a valid reason to make the request, but we need to draft the paperwork first for approval.”
It was because of Valerie. Hadn’t she suddenly become transparent? The issue with Valerie, which was beyond understanding, prompted the need to send Minister Linke, the most capable and trustworthy person, to investigate.
However, she couldn’t put that outright in the documents. Papers could easily be exposed to anyone.
“How about stating it’s to clarify the cause of the recent accidents in the southwestern river’s lower reaches, Aunt? It seems there might be reasons beyond natural causes for the repeated incidents,” Monica offered.
“Yes, that will work.”
As she jotted down the details, Monica pulled out a large stamp and affixed it to the document.
“By the way, what is the real reason? I heard the Duchess took the child to the Otaka Duchy recently. Is that related?”
This question was posed not as an empress but as an aunt. Noticing the genuine concern in her voice, Karl replied lightly.
“You’re correct in your assumption, but it’s nothing serious.”
“I see. I will send the dispatch order immediately so Minister Linke can act swiftly.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
After finalizing the dispatch order, Monica handed the document directly to Karl. It was an indication for him to proceed without delay. Karl stood up, gave a slight bow, and left the office.
***
What would it feel like if a child who resembled him existed in this world? I keep mulling over Franz’s words about loving children. A rosy blush appeared on Laila’s face as she blankly imagined him.
A child who looks like me? I’ve never even thought about that. Engaging in a relationship, getting married, and having children—I’ve never imagined any connection between all those processes and my life.
‘A child who resembles me?’
Unknowingly, Laila imagined a child who mirrored both her and Franz. She was startled, as if someone had peeked into her mind, and shook her head vigorously.
“Laila, could you pour some more tea?”
“Yes, yes! Right away, madam.”
It’s time to stop these thoughts.
If I keep smiling vacantly at nothing while working, Mrs. Pulcheria might hold me back until I confess the truth and could get angry. So Laila quickly composed herself and picked up the teapot.
“So, why did Karl stop by so early in the morning?”
“It was regarding the electorship vote. They decided to move up the timeline.”
“That’s good to hear.”
“And…”
The one enjoying tea time with Mrs. Pulcheria was Monica. She came to see Pulcheria a bit after lunch, saying there were matters to discuss related to the electorship vote.
“It seems there’s some issue with the Grand Duchess in the Otaka Grand Duchy.”
The Grand Duchess would be Countess Louisette. Laila’s eyes sparkled.
