Chapter 39. How About Taking a Lover?
Since I had been unconscious for a long time, a lot of work had piled up.
There were documents to review, and previously scheduled appointments had been delayed.
And today, a tea party was being held, with noblewomen invited.
The tea party was hosted in the garden of the Empress’ Palace, filled with the scent of flowers.
“It’s been far too long since we last saw you, Your Majesty.”
“We heard you were unwell for quite some time. Are you fully recovered now?”
The noblewomen greeted me with concern.
“Thanks to your worries, I am perfectly fine now.”
I responded with a smile.
“When we suddenly heard about the trial, we were all extremely worried about Your Majesty.”
“Of course, we never once doubted that Your Majesty would commit such a terrible act.”
“Oh my, of course not. How could someone as angelic as Your Majesty do such a thing?”
“……”
Was this the power of authority?
They spoke in such sweet words, eager to gain my favor.
‘Angel, really…?’
Considering all the misdeeds Helena had committed, that was a ridiculous thing to hear.
Their endless praise, filled with all sorts of flowery words, was so sweet that it felt like my ears were melting.
“Still, it is such a relief that everything worked out in the end, Your Majesty.”
“…Indeed.”
I nodded absentmindedly in response.
Because, to me, nothing had truly been resolved.
Unfortunately, the most important part of my plan had failed.
‘I was going to use this trial as justification for my divorce.’
Suddenly, I recalled that day.
The day Jerome mercilessly shredded my divorce petition to pieces.
‘Ugh. Just thinking about it again makes me furious.’
Why wouldn’t he let me divorce him?
I simply couldn’t understand.
I had confronted him several times afterward.
But Jerome’s answer was always the same.
Or rather, he let his actions speak for themselves.
Rip— Rip—
Seriously. What was he, a human paper shredder?
Every divorce petition that fell into his hands was torn apart without hesitation.
He still refused to explain why.
Was he really refusing just because he didn’t want to?
Hah. I let out an involuntary sigh.
“Your Majesty, is something the matter? You don’t look well.”
A noblewoman, noticing my dark expression, asked with concern.
I shook my head.
“It’s nothing. I just have a lot on my mind.”
“Um, Your Majesty…”
A voice cautiously called for me.
“What is it?”
At my question, one of the noblewomen hesitated before asking in a careful tone.
“Is the Imperial Consort not attending today?”
“Ah.”
I glanced at the empty seat across from me.
The second most prestigious seat after mine.
The seat of the Imperial Consort, Fay.
“She told me she wouldn’t be able to come today because she’s still unwell.”
“Oh my, so the Imperial Consort hasn’t fully recovered yet.”
Honestly, I wasn’t sure either.
According to the maids, she had mostly recovered.
Well, maybe she was dealing with some aftereffects.
The noblewomen then continued their conversation.
Starting with discussions about the latest popular salons.
To all sorts of rumors about this and that noble family.
They truly were the social butterflies of high society.
But what actually caught my attention was something else.
Lowering my gaze, I looked at the desserts on the table.
Today’s desserts were a bit more special than usual.
‘That’s a strawberry tart, and that’s strawberry pudding…’
It was a strawberry paradise, a strawberry buffet.
A specially ordered menu from the imperial chefs.
Yes. This was the good part of being the Empress.
Of course, this wasn’t enough to make me want to stay Empress forever.
I scooped a large bite of strawberry cake with my fork.
Mmm, it melted in my mouth.
As I was enjoying the desserts, I suddenly heard a suggestive question.
“What about Your Majesty?”
“Hm?”
What was that supposed to mean?
I had been too focused on my dessert and missed the context of their conversation.
“Please feel free to speak openly, Your Majesty.”
The voice was coaxing, as if trying to reassure me.
“Aren’t we all women who can’t talk about such things anywhere else?”
“We are all on Your Majesty’s side.”
“That’s right. And technically, His Majesty made the first move. And not with a mere lover, but the Imperial Con—!”
The noblewoman, who had been enthusiastically chiming in, abruptly cut off her words.
Her expression showed she had misspoken.
“Haha, it seems you are quite tired today, madam.”
Another noblewoman quickly diverted her gaze, as if she had been careless.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I must have been too exhausted and let my words slip…”
“It’s fine.”
Because it was true, after all.
“A-Anyway, wouldn’t it be good for Your Majesty to take a lover as well?”
As if to revive the dampened atmosphere, the noblewomen began speaking again.
Of course, not everyone agreed.
“But wouldn’t there be a lot of talk if Her Majesty were to take a lover?”
“Why? What’s wrong with having a lover?”
“The public perception wouldn’t be good.”
“There has never been an emperor or empress in history who didn’t have a lover.”
“However, only emperors have taken official lovers. The lovers of empresses were rarely recorded in the Empire’s history.”
It was a sharp observation, but it held little weight.
“Then, Her Majesty can be the first.”
“Exactly, I think so too.”
“How about we shortlist some suitable candidates for Your Majesty? After all, we are on your side.”
“Now that’s an interesting topic.”
Whether I wanted to or not, the noblewomen’s conversation naturally shifted to discussing my potential lover.
“It would be good if they came from a distinguished family. A noble lineage with an impeccable title would be ideal.”
“While lineage is important, shouldn’t appearance be the top priority for a lover?”
“Of course. A lover is, at best, like a decorative jewel. Some even take beautiful slaves as their lovers.”
“Appearance isn’t the only thing that matters, though.”
“Oh? Then what does?”
“Naturally…”
Their conversation continued with frank and open discussion.
“Hohoho, ladies. You’re overlooking something important.”
Then, one noblewoman spoke with an excited tone.
“There is already a perfect candidate. One who possesses noble lineage, stunning looks, and an ideal personality!”
“Ah, you mean him.”
“Indeed, if it’s him…”
The other noblewomen quickly agreed.
Hmm? Who are they talking about?
I tilted my head in confusion.
“Didn’t he already make a proposal to Your Majesty once?”
Ah. So they were talking about him.
The man who openly declared his intention to become my lover at Jerome’s birthday banquet, in front of everyone.
Indeed, he had the perfect family background and appearance.
‘His personality, though… I’m not sure.’
Ladies, don’t be fooled! That man completely changes later on!
He does terrifying things!
Normally, this would have been my immediate thought.
But now, I wasn’t so sure.
The way he acted differently in front of me, unlike the original story, had started shaking my perception of him.
But no matter what, having a lover was far from my concern.
Because…
‘I plan to leave my position as Empress.’
Not long ago, I had already handed my divorce petition to the emperor.
I should put an end to this conversation now.
I appreciate their concern, but I have no intention of taking a lover.
Just as I was about to speak—
“Your Majesty the Empress.”
A deep, charming voice suddenly interrupted.
All eyes turned toward the speaker, and soon widened in shock.
With jet-black hair and an appearance capable of stealing any woman’s heart—
“There you are.”
“…Sir Leonard?”
Hearing my voice, a smile graced his lips.
A breathtakingly beautiful smile, almost dangerous to my heart.
For a moment, I lost my words.
What?
Why are you here?
Just then, as if reading my thoughts, someone asked him directly.
“Sir Leonard, what brings you here?”
It seemed everyone except me was equally curious, their gazes sparkling with interest.
Receiving everyone’s attention, Leonard walked closer to me.
“Allow me to introduce myself formally.”
He gracefully bowed.
“From today onward, I will serve as Your Majesty’s personal guard knight. I am Leonard Hilbert.”
***
“By now… the tea party must be in full swing.”
At the Imperial Consort’s Palace, Fay murmured while gazing out the window.
A maid standing nearby spoke hesitantly.
“Your Highness, it’s not too late. Why not hurry and attend?”
“No.”
Fay shook her head.
“Even if I go, no one will welcome me. I’d only ruin the atmosphere.”
Saying so, Fay’s shoulders slumped.
Her long eyelashes drooped sorrowfully, making her look even more pitiful.
‘Our poor Imperial Consort.’
The maid sent her an empathetic glance.
Just then, another maid rushed into the room in a hurry.
“Your Highness! His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”
“His Majesty?”
At the news, Fay’s face immediately brightened.
“Quickly, let him in.”
She hastily checked her appearance.
She smoothed her tousled hair and ensured her dress was neatly arranged.
Meanwhile, Jerome entered the room and inquired about her condition.
“Are you feeling better?”
“Yes. I think I’ve fully recovered now.”
Fay answered with a soft smile.
“If you feel unwell, summon a physician immediately.”
“I understand.”
Fay nodded but then asked in a worried tone.
“How is Her Majesty the Empress…?”
“The Empress?”
Jerome raised an eyebrow, as if surprised by her question.
“Why are you asking about her?”
“Because I’m concerned, of course.”
Fay clasped her hands together.
“I heard that, like me, Her Majesty was also poisoned and took several days to wake up. And she even hosted today’s tea party… I’m worried she might be pushing herself too hard.”
“…….”
“But I was truly shocked when I heard the news. To think Her Majesty suffered from the same poison as I did.”
She spoke in a sorrowful voice.
“I’m still terrified. Who could have done such a terrible thing…?”
Her eyes turned red with unshed tears.
Her clear, transparent gaze looked as if it could spill at any moment.
Jerome replied calmly.
“There’s no need to worry. The investigation is underway, and the truth will soon be revealed.”
“Yes. Please make sure to find out who’s responsible, Your Majesty. And please… don’t overwork yourself.”
“I won’t.”
Jerome gave a slight nod.
Then, as his gaze shifted away from her—
At that moment.
The gentle smile on Fay’s lips completely vanished.
‘How on earth… did the Empress obtain that poison?’
—
Read More at – GENZNOVEL.COM!!
PLEASE JOIN OUR DISCORD AND SUBSCRIBE THE ROLE TO RECEIVE LATEST NOTIFICATIONS!!
Click here -> https://discord.gg/S8c2kGVr2g
Comment