Chapter 2. Wanting to Become a Concubine Instead of Empress?

 

The human heart was a strange thing. Sometimes, when I felt sorry for someone and poured out all my affection, thinking I could save them, if I felt that they were causing harm to me, suddenly that feeling could change completely.

 

Up until now, the one Hans had harmed was Levania.

 

Levania, who reminded Maxim of an unwanted relationship, was a burdensome presence to Maxim. Perhaps because of that? Even though I thought Levania would be hurt if she knew all the facts, I continued to act for Hans.

 

Because I loved Hans. I was willing to do that much.

 

Besides, what’s so bad about this marriage? Hans and I couldn’t have a child together. But if the blood of two children, each flowing through their veins, were combined, then a child was born. Maxim felt as if that child was his, born from Hans.

 

Fortunately, Albert grew up to be a handsome young man… and skilled too. A swordsman! He had qualities I didn’t possess.

 

Objectively, his daughter was smarter, but it wasn’t yet the time for a woman to rise to an official position.

 

Plus, there was also resentment towards the late Duke. If he knew that the commoner’s blood he despised was mixed with mine, he would have risen from his grave and wielded a shovel to hit me.

 

That, these thoughts caused such danger.

 

Maxim felt resentful towards Hans, who had brought about such decisions, even though they were all approved and decided by him.

 

Beautiful Hans always satisfied him. Hans resembled the man Maxim dreamed of. Free, seductive, and someone he could rely on. Since it had to be a secret that Maxim liked men, Hans, who understood that and stayed by his side, was a special presence.

 

‘Should I End It All?’

 

The best way not to get caught by the emperor was to deal with Hans. But Maxim couldn’t harm Hans. He was too attached to him.

 

‘Fortunately, I have Albert as a card…’

 

As long as Hans stayed to protect Albert, he wouldn’t leave. So, all Maxim needed to do was to send Hans to the countryside until he figured out the emperor’s intentions.

 

He planned to call him back when everything was settled.

 

* * *

 

“You all, please step aside for a moment.”

 

Hans felt relieved when he heard Maxim’s voice he had been waiting for. Maxim was safe. That meant he could turn the situation around at any time.

 

“Duke!”

 

The locked door opened. Seeing Maxim entering the room, Hans hugged him without hesitation. Maxim, as always, embraced Hans in his arms.

 

“I was so scared being trapped in here without knowing anything. If you were here, Duke, you wouldn’t treat me like this… I thought something had happened to you…”

 

Hans, who was busy feigning fear and babbling, realized that Maxim’s attitude was somehow different.

 

“Duke?”

 

“Albert, didn’t you persuade that child?”

 

“What are you talking about…? Of course, I persuaded Albert! That child adores Miss Levania, so he was just grateful for the Duke’s favor! But now, there’s a misunderstanding….”

 

“A misunderstanding?”

 

Maxim’s murmuring tone was colder than ever.

 

“With that misunderstanding, the Duke’s honor could be tarnished! Don’t you understand how serious this scandal could be?”

 

“Duke… No one knows about Albert, except us… Albert’s mother is dead, and… everyone else…”

 

When the Duke brought Albert, he killed everyone who had raised Albert and anyone who knew Albert. They had all been killed off. Their names were changed, so no one knew Albert.

 

“That’s not certain. Didn’t that child say he strongly resembles his mother? Maybe there’s someone who’s familiar with Albert… someone we overlooked.”

 

“If there is, we’ll deal with them! That’s not evidence! There are so many people who resemble each other in the world!”

 

Hans’s words weren’t wrong, but it was already too late. The emperor had begun to take an interest in their household, so they couldn’t afford to overlook even a small flaw. It was too risky.

 

“It’s too late to say that. His Majesty has prohibited the engagement between Albert and Levania. He ordered to delete the record from the noble genealogy.”

 

‘His Majesty? Why is the emperor’s business being mentioned in our affairs?’

 

“Impossible… Does Miss Levania have a relationship with His Majesty?”

 

‘Since Albert received his knighthood, he has been receiving bridegroom lessons. There’s no reason for him to meet the emperor.’

 

As a despot and a misogynist, the emperor was detested by all noblewomen. Only his appearance was stunningly beautiful, so he was often the topic of conversation among the nobles.

 

‘Could it be… Could they be planning to make Levania the empress?’

 

As the only ducal family in the empire, it was possible, given the age of marriageability. Kasion was an unmarried and beautiful emperor, but he was also notorious for brutally killing his own blood, and there were rumors that the imperial palace never lacked bloodshed.

 

Therefore, no neighboring kingdom wanted to give their daughters to the emperor. They either had to offer them as tribute because of the emperor’s demand or lose them in defeat in war.

 

The emperor, to avoid humiliating them further, took a son instead of a daughter as a concubine. That’s why the emperor was feared, but as a transcendent being, no one could kill him.

 

“Anyway, since His Majesty has taken an interest in our family, we must be extremely cautious for the time being. It seems that the emperor intends to marry Levania to someone he desires… That person will likely become my successor. I have no intention of refusing that.”

 

There’s no power to refuse it anyway.

 

Hans looked at Maxim with a desire to argue. For almost ten years since Albert entered this household, Hans had been Maxim’s devoted lover. The thought of everything going to waste made him tremble.

 

He might be able to deal with someone else, but the opponent was the emperor, and he was called a tyrant. Hans, who was just a servant to the common people, couldn’t do anything.

 

‘My dream of making Albert a noble of the empire… it’s all falling apart like this!’

 

He was angry, but still, people had to live. Fortunately, Hans had hidden a lot of assets separately from the ducal house.

 

“Well… Can you really do that?”

 

Hans pretended to be a distressed person and staggered. As he seemed to sink down, Maxim quickly supported him.

 

“It seems that Your Excellency’s and my dreams will be shattered. I just… I just wanted to achieve my dream through those children because… I can’t bear to see my own children… I just wanted to achieve my dream through those children… “

 

Hans’s pitiful voice softened Maxim’s heart. Hans knew Maxim’s obsession with him. Since he had used him to make Albert even Levania’s fiancé, it was natural.

 

“Even if they can’t continue the ducal line, don’t worry. I’ll make sure you and Albert live as comfortably as possible. Until we know the Emperor’s intentions… it’s best to leave the capital and… recuperate at my country estate.”

 

‘He’s planning to keep him in the countryside and then call him back.’

 

Hans chuckled inwardly but nodded slowly. If he tried to escape from Maxim, it would be better to obediently follow his words for now.

 

“More importantly… there’s a bigger problem.”

 

“What could be a bigger problem than this? Please tell me.”

 

Hans said with a drooping shoulder. Maxim scrutinized Hans’s expression and spoke.

 

“I believe in Albert’s innocence, but Levania and Zelenka, especially Zelenka, are furious. They’re saying we should send people to capture Albert. Although I’ve managed to calm them down… with great difficulty…”

 

Zelenka openly disliked Albert. But she had been indifferent to the affairs of the Wendel ducal family since she began her affair.

 

“You must protect me, Duke! Although Albert may have my blood, he is as good as your son! If you don’t protect that child… Ah…!”

 

As Hans almost hysteric, Maxim embraced him and comforted him.

 

“As long as you’re here to support me like this, how could I neglect to protect Albert?”

 

“What did you say?”

 

Hans looked at Maxim with a suspicious, clinging gaze. A satisfied expression crossed Maxim’s face.

 

“As long as you’re by my side, nothing will happen to Albert.”

 

Hans couldn’t miss the meaning behind Maxim’s words. It meant that if Hans tried to escape to the countryside, Maxim wouldn’t let Albert off the hook.

 

‘Oh… I’ve walked right into a trap.’

 

Hans realized he was caught in an inescapable trap, but it was too late. With Albert’s letter as evidence, he was now a fraud who had deceived the ducal house, and that alone gave the ducal house the right to track him down and kill him.

 

‘Let’s see, Maxim.’

 

Smiling at Maxim with a cunning face, Hans accepted Maxim’s kiss.

 

* * *

 

On the exact date, two weeks after Maxim found traces of the emperor in the nobility directory, a message came from the imperial palace. It was an order for a summons to the palace.

 

Convinced that the time had finally come, Maxim prepared for the summons with a greatly tense expression. Although he had attended official banquets held at the palace without fail, Maxim had always prostrated deeply and respectfully whenever he saw the emperor, as if he were touching the ground.

 

Since the emperor always looked at him with a sneer, he knew that the emperor was aware of his fear.

 

Following the guide to the audience room, Maxim swallowed his dry saliva. There were still blood stains on the marble floor. Even after the young emperor came of age, the palace always smelled of blood.

 

“You may wait here.”

 

The palace usher spoke with a doll-like expression and left the room. Maxim waited for the emperor with a tense expression. Servants, knights, and soldiers were visible around him.

 

‘Why here, of all places? You could have summoned me to the study or something..’

 

Although it was narrow, it must be spacious for a palace room. Maxim didn’t want to be alone with the emperor, but there was a rumor that people always died in the audience room.

 

“The Emperor is coming!”

 

At the usher’s words, Maxim bowed his head as if to bury it in the ground. Although the gazes around him were uncomfortable, he couldn’t lift his head now. The Emperor seemed to be entering through the noble’s private passage.

 

Seeing Maxim bowing his head as if to bury it in the ground, Kasion chuckled. The reason he didn’t touch Wendel family was not only because there was no royal blood in Wendel, but also because Maxim Wendel was a coward who was scared just by seeing his shadow.

 

Even though he wanted to cut off the head of the stupid but wicked man with a knife and see blood, Maxim had never shown such behavior in front of the emperor.

 

To the emperor, Maxim was just a foolish coward. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

“The Duke is always a model for his subjects. You know my intentions very well.”

 

Sitting heavily on the throne, the Emperor spoke in a relaxed tone.

 

With his head bowed, Maxim rolled his eyes, sweating coldly. The Emperor seemed to be in a good mood for now, but one never knew when he would change his mind.

 

“Y-Your Majesty, it’s an honor…”

 

Although he was servile, Maxim knew that the Emperor enjoyed his servility. Being feared by the highest noble in the Empire would give him a special feeling.

 

“Yes, yes. It must be an honor. So, I’m about to bestow another honor upon you.”

 

“…?”

 

This was the main point. Maxim blinked, hoping it wasn’t what he feared. The Emperor laughed at Maxim’s apprehension.

 

“Your daughter… Ley? Ledy?”

 

“It’s, it’s L-Levania, Your Majesty.”

 

“Right. I intend to take her as my Empress. The position of Empress has been vacant for too long. We tried to find a princess from outside the Empire, but there were no princesses suitable, and within the Empire, there’s only your daughter left as a candidate.”

 

Maxim’s face turned ashen. What he had feared and dreaded most had finally happened.

 

“The annoying thing is, I’m sick of these grand ceremonies, so the wedding will be simple. Let’s see… two months from now seems good. Do you have anything to say?”

 

Chin in hand, Kasion spoke. He had a face that could make anyone’s mouth water, but to Maxim now, he looked like a demon from hell.

 

“I-I’m sure my daughter will be very pleased by the… th-the honor, Your Majesty!”

 

“Right. Let’s look forward to two months from now.”

 

It seemed that was all the interest the Emperor had. As Kasion gestured as if to dismiss him, the usher approached, lifted Maxim to his feet, and escorted him out.

 

Hearing the order to give his daughter as Empress, Maxim was in a state of fear. Being a large man, he couldn’t be supported by the usher and the attendant alone.

 

As Kasion watched with interest, two soldiers came and carried Maxim away, leaving the audience room.

 

* * *

 

Supported by the attendants and ushers brought from the Duke’s mansion, Maxim barely made it to the carriage. From the moment he arrived at the carriage, he was transported back to the Duke’s mansion in a half-dozing state.

 

As a Levania who knew the situation ahead, Maxim understood why he was reacting like this.

 

‘Father was notoriously afraid of the Emperor.’

 

He wasn’t particularly admirable, nor was he bold or brave, yet standing in front of the Emperor, people seemed to shrink. Was it a matter of demeanor?

 

Levania, who had no expectations of Maxim, waited patiently until Maxim regained his composure. The Duchess had left early in the morning and hadn’t returned.

 

“D-Duke…”

 

The place Levania instructed Maxim to sit was the reception room. Maxim, lying long on the sofa, looked disproportionately large.

 

“Father?”

 

Sitting on the single sofa diagonally across, Levania received his words. Maxim took a deep breath and spoke in a trembling voice.

 

“In two months… He wants… to marry you! Y-You! He wants to make you… the Empress!”

 

Levania reacted only by raising her eyebrows slightly. The ones overturned were the maids and the ushers bustling around. The nanny, Maggie, turned pale and looked at Levania.

 

“Two months… Was it also two months in the original?”

 

Things were progressing faster than expected. Fortunately, Albert was not in this mansion anymore. Maxim had already sent him away.

 

“When will the announcement be made officially?”

 

“I-I didn’t ask that. W-What should we do?”

 

He asked, but it wasn’t a demand for an answer. Maxim was already considering sending Levania to the Emperor. Not because he was worried about his only daughter or felt it was a waste, but because he was afraid of becoming the Emperor’s father-in-law. He feared the Emperor might say something at the Imperial banquet.

 

“Was there any mention of who should be consulted about the wedding?”

 

Maxim just shook his head with a dazed face. Just hearing the Emperor’s order to give away his daughter had drained all his energy.

 

“I’ll have to contact Mother.”

 

As Levania got up to leave, Maxim looked at her. He urgently got up and grabbed Levania’s sleeve.

 

“You… Do you… Do you intend to go through with this marriage?”

 

“Is there a way to refuse the Emperor’s order and still be safe?”

 

As she answered, the strength drained from the hand holding her sleeve.

 

“No… Yeah, I’ll become the Emperor’s father-in-law. Hehe…”

 

Ignoring Maxim’s despondent laughter, Levania left the reception room. Two months was too short a time for preparations for the Emperor’s wedding, but it was enough time for Levania to make some preparations.

 

‘It’s okay. Kasion was described as someone who could handle anyone, male or female, to the point of being overpowering… It won’t be too terrible. And once his interest in me fades, I’ll run away. And then the original plan of living a proper life afterward remains unchanged.’

 

If Kasion lost interest in her, then she would escape. The only thing left was to send away the people she cared about in case the Duke became angry. Levania had enough money to ensure they had a place to live without touching the Duke’s estate. Though indifferent to Levania, Maxim made sure she enjoyed the benefits of being the Duke’s daughter. The annual budget allocated to her never decreased. It was only natural, considering all she had done for the Duke’s mansion. 

 

‘First, I’ll make arrangements for Maggie to go down to her hometown and live with her children…’

 

It was decided to send away those cherished individuals from the Duke’s estate since childhood. Maxim and Zelenka were not without concerns, but… It was too dangerous to continue staying by Kasion’s side. Kasion’s only generous acquaintance was Albert.

 

For the sake of parents who could easily let go of a daughter like Levania to live their lives, Levania didn’t want to risk her own life. Levania’s ambitions for her own life were too great for that.

 

This time, she wanted to live properly. She felt even more so because her previous life ended without achieving anything.

 

‘For my parents… I can only send a warning on my escape route. Once they receive my warning, they will surely flee outside the empire.’

 

If she informed them in advance, they would willingly sacrifice Levania’s life to the Emperor. So, she had no choice but to send a warning on her escape route. After that, it was up to them.

 

* * *

 

Zelenka seemed surprised when she heard that Levania was going to marry the Emperor, even though she had shown indifferent reactions before.

 

“Right. You’re the only noble lady left within the empire… That’s how things turned out.”

 

Though she seemed to accept it, her expression still seemed as if she were just listening to someone else’s story. It seemed that a little surprise might be all she could muster.

 

‘Nothing to be done about it.’

 

“Have detailed instructions about the wedding schedule been issued?”

 

“Not yet. So far, His Majesty has only summoned my father to talk… and it seems that the official announcement will be made in a few days.”

 

Zelenka looked at Levania intently with her calm response.

 

“You seem quite unconcerned.”

 

“Since His Majesty is not interested in me… as long as I spend the first night well, I’ll manage somehow.”

 

The Emperor’s preference was no secret to the public like the Duke’s. Unlike Maxim, Kasion didn’t feel ashamed of having a male lover. Levania also didn’t think homosexuality was bad. However, she considered it despicable to have a wife and another lover. 

 

“Your fortune seems to have taken a turn. The guy who used to follow you around just by looking at your face turns out to be a commoner.”

 

Zelenka clicked her tongue, annoyed at the sight of Levania, who was now marrying someone similar to her.

 

“Well, come on. Surely becoming the Emperor’s mother -in-law won’t be a problem for my behavior?”

 

“Well, I don’t think you’ll care about trivial matters… but I don’t know him well.”

 

Zelenka glanced at Levania at her words.

 

“You’re still calm even at a time like this. It’s only been a few days since your fiancé, the swindler, revealed he was a commoner and ran away. Are you really the daughter of the Duke, born with cold blood flowing through your veins?”

 

Even though her daughter was designated to marry a tyrant, she could only say such words. But Levania swallowed her frustration. Zelenka’s indifferent attitude was not a recent occurrence.

 

“The wedding is my first time…, I came to consult with my mother. If you’re busy, you can tell me now.”

 

“There is no one else in the imperial family who can help you with your wedding, but you do not have the demeanor of one who asks for favors.”

 

Levania was irritated by Zelenka’s persistent attitude of disdain until the end. After all, it was a wedding she didn’t even want. As long as the formalities were fulfilled, Kasion wouldn’t mind.

 

“You seem busy. I’ll leave now.”

 

Levania, who stood up from her seat, left the café’s second-floor terrace. Zelenka glanced at Levania, who wasn’t compliant, then turned her head.

 

* * *

 

The announcement about the Emperor’s wedding came two days later.

 

Suddenly, memories of her past life flooded in, and after fainting, sending Albert away, and breaking off her engagement, she was confused by the successive events.

 

‘Once I sort one thing out, there’s always something else to sort out.’

 

Originally, everything related to Albert was preparation for her marriage to the Emperor. She didn’t expect the Emperor to propose marriage so quickly.

 

As soon as the decree was issued, someone from the palace came out and provided details about the wedding schedule and formalities. Maxim, who accepted the imperial gifts, listened to the explanations from the imperial chamberlain with a face that seemed like he might collapse at any moment.

 

The wedding would take place in the temple within the palace, and the bride’s wedding dress for the ceremony would be prepared in the aristocratic dressing room.

 

All expenses for the wedding would be paid by the palace, so the Duke’s estate was only required to prepare a few items for the noblewoman’s use when she moved in.

 

Although Kasion said he would marry Levania as if plundering her, it didn’t seem like he would be frugal with Levania’s money. He said he would allocate as much money as is used for other royal events.

 

‘Why does the Emperor want to marry me?’

 

To ensure his successor, as the courtiers say? But in the original novel, he acted too carefree to be someone who thought about tomorrow. He only started planning for the future after meeting and falling in love with Albert.

 

He even had a potion developed by a magician to enable a man to conceive a child, all to make Albert his Empress.

 

‘Maybe it’s just because there’s one troublesome noble estate left.’

 

As a slave of the former Emperor and his uncle, Kairon, Kasion endured years of humiliation and insult. He returned all the humiliation he received with his death. Although those who insulted Kasion all went underground, he still felt uncomfortable with the high-ranking nobles.

 

The only fortunate thing was that when Kasion announced his marriage to Duke Wendell’s daughter, he didn’t mention whether he would elevate Levania to a legitimate wife or keep her as a concubine. It seemed like a plot to simply torment Levania and trouble Maxim, but it worked out well.

 

When visiting the palace to prepare for the wedding, she had decided to meet Kasion and plead with him to make her his legitimate wife, not just a concubine.

 

‘…I shouldn’t be assassinated at that time.’

 

Levania swallowed hard, caressing her own neck.

 

* * *

 

The fact that there was no one suitable to host the Emperor’s wedding in the palace made it easier for Levania to come and go.

 

Although there were appointed stewards, they seemed reluctant to fulfill their duties. It was right to say that they were more afraid of being held responsible with their lives in case something went wrong than finding the job itself difficult.

 

So when Levania asked to see the venue for the wedding, she was graciously escorted there.

 

“Here it is.”

 

The palace was spacious enough to be considered a city within a city. Among them, the temple, which could be called a palace in itself, was the place where they would marry. As the wedding was only two months away, preparations were already underway.

 

“Are there any decorations or preferred flowers you would like?”

 

The steward asked, showing dozens of flower samples. Levania picked a few appropriate flowers for the season and looked at the steward.

 

“The Emperor… wouldn’t have visited this place, would he?”

 

“He’s busy.”

 

The tone was one of natural expectation that Kasion wouldn’t come here. Levania also didn’t think Kasion would care. His intention to marry the daughter of Duke Wendell had nothing to do with emotions.

 

Even if there were official responsibilities, Levania thought Kasion wouldn’t get involved in this matter.

 

“…Then I’m not sure how to meet the Emperor.”

 

“But do you wish to meet him?”

 

Levania nodded. She had already applied for an audience twice, but Kasion hadn’t met her. It would be fair to say that he had no interest.

 

‘As expected…’

 

“Thank you for showing me around. Then I’ll be off…”

 

“Oh, young lady…”

 

The steward grabbed Levania with a startled tone. He wanted her to choose the fabric for the temple, the pattern of decorations, and the jewels as well. Levania chose moderately considering what reminded her of a wedding and then left the place.

 

‘Nothing I can do.’

 

This was her third visit. It seemed that Kasion had no intention of meeting her until he married her.

 

Even after marriage, he would probably only spend the wedding night with her and then leave her alone… But if she were to become his Empress, it would be troublesome for Levania. She didn’t want to be killed by Kasion if she became his Empress and he changed his mind. A concubine was more advantageous for escape. For the Emperor’s dignity and the difficulties afterward.

 

Levania once again asked the soldier for help and headed back to the main palace. While she couldn’t meet the Emperor, she could communicate with his aides and officials.

 

“Could you please deliver this letter to His Majesty? If, by any chance, he doesn’t read it and decides to burn or tear it… please convey this message.”

 

She wanted to say that they could just relay the contents of the letter, but she didn’t dare assume that there was anyone who would read a letter sent to the Emperor before him. Especially since he was known to be a tyrant, it made her even more hesitant.

 

“…This is just in case you are conducting our wedding ceremony, but if you have any intentions of making me your Empress, please reconsider… If you are definitely going to marry me, I would prefer to be taken as a concubine.”

 

“What?”

 

The steward who received the letter looked at Levania with a startled expression. Levania smiled knowingly at the steward’s gaze.

 

“That’s all you need to convey.”

 

There wouldn’t be anyone who would prepare for a wedding on such a grand scale with a concubine. So, even though the Emperor hadn’t announced that she would be his Empress, everyone assumed that Levania would naturally become the Empress.

 

But now she was asking not to be the Empress, but to be taken as a concubine instead. Was it a reasonable request for the daughter of the only noble family in the empire? Even princesses or nobles from other countries who were offered as tribute all hoped to become Empresses once they entered Kasion’s palace.

 

“Alright.”

 

Levania turned away, hoping that even if the news reached the Emperor, her life would be spared.

 

The Emperor, who looked down on all the nobles, would surely find Levania’s letter amusing. He would probably think that she was trying to win his favor by resorting to such tricks.

 

‘Anyway, as long as I’m not the Empress.’

 

If the Emperor sent a message saying he would take her as a concubine, all that would be left was to send off her cherished ones back to their homeland.

 

As Levania expected, Kasion told the steward who brought the letter to discard it. Since he didn’t read letters he received, it was better to burn it since he didn’t know what the contents might be. The reason the steward still had the letter in his hand was because there was no fireplace in the Emperor’s office yet.

 

“The Lady also wanted me to convey this message. If you were planning to make her your Empress…”

 

Kasion chuckled at that part. He found it amusing that she would assume he had such intentions without saying a word.

 

Although he had indeed planned to make her the Empress, he couldn’t help but laugh at her assumption that the seat she would occupy would be anything but a hollow, powerless position.

 

“It seems she would prefer to be taken as a concubine.”