《My Husband Thought I Was Dead And Became A Tyrant!》


 Chapter 1

    Asha and I received contact from the palace a day after our wedding.


    The knights were rushing to get me there as soon as possible, and in the end, I decided to leave that day.


    ¡°Hadel. As expected, I think I should go with¡­¡±


    As I was about to board the carriage, I heard the young Asha¡¯s worried voice. I slowly turned towards her, the sound of her soft voice making my heart beat quickly.


    ¡°Asha.¡±


    I know that if I leave now, I won¡¯t be able to see you for a while.


    That¡¯s why I really don¡¯t want to, and my feet don¡¯t want to move.


    I slowly reached out my hand towards her.


    I couldn¡¯t see, but it didn¡¯t matter.


    Asha took my hand extended midair and brought it to her cheek, as she always did.


    My heart raced and I felt excited at the touch of her warm, soft skin.


    ¡°I¡¯m really okay. The palace is a dangerous place. I¡¯ll go first to assess the situation, then call for you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because it¡¯s dangerous that I have to go with you, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Asha¡¯s voice, which had always been strong, was tinged with anxiety.


    What kind of expression is on your face right now?


    Are you about to cry, or are you so worried that your eyelashes are bent downwards?


    Just imagining this makes me feel like I have the entire world, so if I were to actually see your face, I think I might die on the spot.


    ¡°Asha. Don¡¯t worry too much. I¡¯m stronger than you think.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    I covered Asha¡¯s lips with my finger lightly before she could say any more.


    At the soft feeling, my heart became ticklish once more.


    ¡°Asha, I want to see you.¡±


    I want to see you.


    I want to see what you look like.


    Unfortunately, I had never seen Asha¡¯s face before.


    This is because I was born with bad eyes.


    So, why is the palace looking for me now, when they threw me away before?


    With a message that I should rush to the palace, and that they¡¯ll fix my eyes for me?


    ¡°However, if you¡¯re ever in danger, I¡¯ll give up that dream.¡±


    Although I yearned to see my beloved wife, her safety was more important to me.


    Asha paused for a second at my firm words, before opening her mouth.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll trust you, Hadel.¡±


    Although it seemed like she wanted to say more, she wordlessly put a hand on top of my head.


    Because I liked the feeling of her fingers slowly brushing through my hair, the sides of my mouth went up subconsciously.


    Feeling insatiable, I pulled her hand down and kissed the back of it.


    ¡°Hadel, will that be enough?¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    I was about to ask what she meant by that when suddenly, Asha grabbed me by the collar and pulled me in.


    Then, I felt something quickly touch and leave my lips.


    Seeing that I was so shocked I could only blink, she laughed quietly and wiped my lip with her thumb.


    ¡°Since we don¡¯t know when we¡¯ll see each other again, we should do this at least.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Uh¡­. huh?¡±


    I had to say something, but I was so startled that I couldn¡¯t form proper words.


    Then, as if she had also become shy, Asha pushed me into the carriage.


    ¡°Y-you should leave now. I¡¯ll wait for your message!¡±


    ¡°Ah, okay. Ah, what I mean is¨C Ugh.¡±


    Bump. Bump.


    As I got onto the carriage, I bumped into things here and there.


    My other senses were sharper because I didn¡¯t have sight, and I hadn¡¯t bumped into anything in a long time, but for some reason, it felt like my world had been flipped upside down.


    Seeing how my body was swaying out of control, Asha¡¯s worried voice came from behind once more.


    ¡°Hadel! Be careful, and be even more careful!¡±


    And just like that, the door of the carriage slid shut and the carriage started off.


    I opened the window and shouted towards Asha. ¡°Just wait for a bit. I¡¯ll return as soon as my eyes are fixed. I really want to see your face!¡±


    What did you reply when I said that, again?


    [Okay. I¡¯ll wait for you, darling.]


    Asha¡¯s last words which had vanished into thin air were always repeating in my memory.


    To not leave the ducal residence.


    No, to not leave Asha behind.


    I screamed and screamed again, but there was no point.


    Those words were already a thing of the past, and Asha no longer lived in this world.


    * * *


    ¡°Sir Derrell! I-it¡¯s from His Majesty!¡±


    Derrell, who had just been promoted as the exclusive Grand Chamberlain for the Emperor, clutched his pounding head.


    This was because he had finally had a moment of respite after assigning some servants to attend to His Majesty, only to hear that he¡¯d been called again.


    How was it that he couldn¡¯t rest for even a minute?


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°His Majesty has, again¡­!¡±


    Seeing the servant who couldn¡¯t finish his sentence, Derrell stood up from his seat and opened the medicine cabinet.


    Although there was no telling what His Royal Majesty had done so that the servants were like this, one thing was certain.


    He would need to take some stabilizers himself before he went to the emperor¡¯s bedchambers.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    With a deft flick of the wrist, Derrell tossed the pills into his mouth before heading into the center of the storm.


    The emperor¡¯s chambers are located in the most inner area of the royal palace.


    It is a room that has amazing soundproofing, and the quality of its furniture is unmatched.


    It is a place filled with items that are so precious that no merchant would dare name a price for them.


    These are the quarters of the sun of the great Sierria Empire.


    Derrell¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he arrived in front of the door.


    This was because the door, which was definitely made of very strong marble, was partially destroyed.


    ¡°Y-your Majesty.¡±


    With a shaking voice, Derrell took one careful step at a time before putting a foot into the bed chambers.


    The floor, which was supposed to be shining, was covered with dust, and there were holes in the walls, wind blowing into the room.


    The rare and precious vase gifted from the East was shattered in pieces on the ground.


    ¡°Y-your Majesty¡­?¡±


    Shake shake shake shake. Looking at the state of the ruined chambers, Derell approached the bed while shaking uncontrollably.


    Pink eyes with the gaze of a wild animal stared at Derrell from the inside of the ripped curtain.


    A low voice that sounded like it would explode at any second.


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°Eek! ¡­Hic!¡±


    Under that murderous, icy gaze, Derrell¡¯s body froze. He inhaled, covering his mouth to block the hiccups that were coming out.


    Seeing him like that, the Emperor growled once more.


    ¡°Right now. Get out of my sight.¡±


    Crack.


    Despite the voices of many people calling after him, Derrell escaped the bedroom without looking back.


    If he had waited even a bit longer, a sword would have been pointed at him.


    An ever-simmering quiet rage and the chill that comes from knowing the feeling of having lost everything was gathered in one person.


    That was the current crazy tyrant emperor Lahadelt.


    Derrell waved his hand when he saw the junior staff  anxiously waiting outside.


    ¡°You can¡¯t right now. It would be best to stay far away.¡±


    He skillfully took the servants to a corner of the Sun Palace.


    When the Emperor was acting like this, the only way to survive was to hold one¡¯s breath as long as possible and make as little noise as possible.


    Hadel briefly watched Derrell¡¯s quick retreat, then lifted his head and released the breath he had been holding.


    He felt frustrated, like there was something blocking his chest.


    At the same time, his heart kept tingling and aching.


    These have been ongoing symptoms for the past decade.


    It happened whenever he thought of Ashella. And when he did, he couldn¡¯t control his emotions no matter how hard he tried.


    Nothing could soothe him. Only the desire to destroy everything arose.


    ¡°Sigh¡­¡±


    Hadel slowly closed his eyes and then opened them. The feeling of the cold jewel in his hand gave him a brief moment of sanity.


    ¡°Asha.¡±


    The blue necklace in my hand had become duller, but still shone with a strange yellow glow.


    It was the present I had sent along with my letter for Ashella as soon as I had gotten my eyes fixed at the palace.


    At that time, I had no doubt that she would soon appear in front of my eyes with it around her neck.


    But in the end, what I saw was only this necklace while everything else was burnt to ashes.


    ¡°When I can finally see you for the first time.¡±


    So why aren¡¯t you in front of me anymore?


    Hadel¡¯s eyes welled with tears.


    Without a sound, the teardrops fell onto the blue gemstone.


    ¡°Just wait a little bit, Asha. Now, really¡­¡±


    There¡¯s not much time left.


    For your revenge.


    * * *


    Sometimes there are days like that.


    The day passes quickly and everything goes as you wish.


    Today was like that.


    After finishing all of my tasks as a maid, we gathered in a group to play a game, and there had been no problems thus far.


    ¡°Serienne, you¡¯re as ruthless as ever,¡± Aimee said, sighing as she moved her bishop.


    ¡°Ugh, I want to beat Enne just once!¡±


    ¡°How does she think of moves like that?¡±


    The maids who had clustered around us all chimed in, watching the board intently.


    The chessboard, covered systematically in black and white.


    And the chess pieces, fighting ferociously on top of it.


    On days where we finished our work early, we sometimes enjoyed a game of chess like this.


    Today we had finished our tasks, and I was in the middle of a game with Aimee.


    It was just an ordinary day like any other.


    It was at an ordinary moment when I had been considering which move to make next.


    ¡°Enne? It¡¯s your turn. You¡¯ve basically already won, so what are you thinking about like that?¡± Aimee asked, confused. However, at that moment, there was no way I could focus on the chessboard in front of me.


    ¡°¡­Hadel.¡±


    The memories that I had lost for the past decade.


    The memories of my family and my husband whom I had loved so much.


    The memories that I had tried so hard to recover came back so easily and so suddenly to me.


    ¡°Hm? What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°¡­Ah.¡±


    I could not give a response to Aimee, who asked once more.


    I became overwhelmed with emotion.


    I thought I would start crying in that instant.


    How could I have forgotten all of this for 10 whole years?


    After the floodgates had been opened, my past memories kept tumbling over each other, throwing my head into chaos.


    ¡°I-I need to go rest for today.¡±


    ¡°What? In the middle of a game?¡±


    I stood up unsteadily amidst the others¡¯ confusion.


    I needed a quiet place and some time to organize my thoughts.


    ¡°Enne? Serienne!¡±


    Leaving Aimee¡¯s shouts behind, I ran from the lounge.


    The memories streamed into my mind, causing the hallway to my room to feel especially longer than usual.


    Hadel, who had been called to the palace. And the letter that had come from him a few days later.


    The contents read that he would soon arrange for a carriage so I could go to the palace.


    I had prepared to go meet Hadel accordingly but had an accident with the carriage on the way there. Soon after, thieves attacked.


    I had run and run away until I fell off a cliff, and upon impact, I had¡­


    Lost my memory.


    And that¡¯s how the next 10 years had passed.


    Although I tried endlessly to recover my memories, it had all been for nothing. No matter what I did, my memories did not return.


    The doctor had told me to forget and just live.


    He told me that the more I obsessed over remembering them, the farther away they would get.


    And that all of my memories could return at any time.


    Who would¡¯ve thought that would happen as I was playing a game of chess?


    Clack.


    I had returned to my room before I knew it, and after closing the door, I slumped to the floor.


    ¡°Hadel, Hadel. What should I do? I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so sorry, Hadel¡­¡±


    Uncontrollable tears poured endlessly down my face.


    My vision turned blurry, and amidst my endless cries for Hadel, I suddenly regained my senses.


    Hadel is a royal.


    Even if he¡¯s a half-blooded royal, there¡¯s no way the palace would chase him out. And although they had pretty much cast him aside to our family, my last memory was of the late emperor calling him to the palace to fix his eyes.


    ¡­The late emperor?


    ¡°No way.¡±


    During the 10 years after I had lost my memory, I had collected new ones as I lived the life of ¡®the maid Serienne.¡¯


    And those memories included how the emperor, Hadel¡¯s father, had passed away.


    The new emperor¡¯s name was Lahadelt.


    He was the last remaining royal of the empire who had been mocked for having a lady-in-waiting as his mother and thus a half-blooded royal.


    I did not know much about him.


    All I knew was that he was a tyrant thirsty for blood.


    But¡­


    No matter how I think about it, the new emperor must be my husband Hadel.

 Chapter 2

    The next morning, I woke up and had to go work in my still bewildered state.


    No matter what the past was like, the current me was a maid who worked at this residence.


    This meant that I had to work without fail every day.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way.¡±


    The words I spouted subconsciously caused Aimee, who had been doing the laundry with me, to look at me in confusion.


    ¡°What do you mean there¡¯s no way?¡±


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just talking to myself.¡±


    ¡°How boring. There¡¯s so much to do today. Let¡¯s move quickly!¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes.¡±


    Usually, I would have replied ¡°Yes, older sister Aimee¡±. However, I couldn¡¯t bring myself to call her ¡°older sister¡± at the moment.


    Not to mention, I was five whole years older than this prim person!


    ¡°Ha¡­.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help my sighs.


    I had been deeply concerned about what to do after I recovered my memories yesterday.


    It seemed like His Majesty the Emperor was my husband Hadel, but there was no way I would be able to enter the palace as a maid like this.


    Not to mention, 10 years had already passed and gone by.


    Hadel became the emperor, and it was possible that he¡¯d already forgotten about me.


    Was it really the right choice for me, his wife from the past, to show up in front of him?


    ¡°Enne! I told you to hurry! At this rate, I¡¯ll be scolded by the head maid because of you!¡±


    As I looked into the air, lost in thought, Aimee¡¯s harsh words hit my ear.


    My hands felt numb from the cold water.


    The numbness crept up from my hands and to the area around my heart in a single moment.


    This was all because of the face that had been stuck in my head since yesterday.


    Lahadelt, my beloved husband.


    And¡­


    ¡°Um¡­ older sister Aimee.¡±


    ¡°What? I¡¯m busy.¡±


    ¡°So, about that.¡±


    ¡°What? If you have something to say, hurry up!¡±


    ¡°So, uh¡­ you know, His Majesty the Emperor.¡±


    Aimee froze and glared at me as soon as the words ¡°His Majesty¡± came out of my mouth.


    It was an expression that said how could someone like you dare to say that name?


    I didn¡¯t want to bring this up either.


    But what can I do? He¡¯s my husband.


    ¡°Why are you asking about His Majesty the Emperor?¡±


    ¡°Do you really think he¡¯s crazy?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Everyone says that His Majesty the Emperor is crazy.¡±


    ¡°You¡­! Be quiet! Are you crazy? If you want to die, die alone! Why would you bring me into this?¡±


    Perhaps it was because my words were so shocking, but Aimee used her soapy hands to block my mouth.


    ¡°Umph¡­! Ptooey! Ah, really! What¡¯s wrong? Who else would come to this laundry room besides us?¡±


    ¡°I never thought this of you, but you¡¯re really brave, aren¡¯t you? Why are you acting so differently today?¡±


    ¡°¡­Just, just because. Since I¡¯m bored. Do you seriously not know anything? Do you think he¡¯s actually crazy? Or do you think there¡¯s a chance that it¡¯s a false rumour?¡±


    Since the Hadel I knew was a truly kind child.


    He got happy at the littlest of things, he was afraid at night so he always fell asleep while holding my hand, and he cried for several days when a little chick died.


    There¡¯s no way my husband, who was like that, would become a crazy tyrant.


    Although the rumours that spread about the emperor were really the worst, I believed in my husband.


    There¡¯s definitely no way he¡¯s crazy.


    ¡°Gosh. He would suddenly kill people because he didn¡¯t like them, and on a day that the entire empire was celebrating and dancing, he went around screaming and yelling. Then, he randomly threw a bunch of chicken merchants into jail. He¡¯s the kind of person who would put a ban on marriage for one year because he felt like shit. Do you think those are the actions of a normal person?¡±


    ¡°¡­Ha.¡±


    ¡°And what about the recent incident where Count Lucien was attacked? They say the culprit was His Majesty the Emperor? They say that he suddenly went mad at night and went into the Count¡¯s residence to kill everyone. It was so shocking.¡±


    Nevertheless, Aimee destroyed my expectations and stomped them into even smaller pieces.


    Everything she said were things I already knew. These were the rumours about Hadel I had wanted to ignore after my memories returned.


    Honestly, before I recovered my memories, I had also been a normal citizen who called the emperor crazy.


    ¡°It really is strange¡­ if he¡¯s actually crazy, what do you think made him that way?¡±


    Why would such a sincere and kind-hearted child go crazy?


    The thought I tried to avoid kept coming to mind.


    That it might be because of me.


    It has already been 10 years since my death was announced.


    Although he may have struggled at that time, he has since become the emperor, so to think that it¡¯s because of me¡­


    ¡°Hm. This is a secret, but¡­¡± Aimee looked around carefully before bringing her face close to mine, narrowing her eyes.


    What? What is she trying to say?


    ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that the emperor went crazy after losing his lover.¡±


    ¡°¡­his¡­ lover?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! And ten years ago, at that! They say that there was a person he loved before he became the emperor. No, did they say that he was married to her?¡±


    ¡°M-married?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all just rumors. There¡¯s nothing officially announced. I don¡¯t believe it. To think that such a tyrant could love, I can¡¯t even imagine it.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha. Y-you¡¯re right,¡± I responded to Aimee, laughing awkwardly.


    Then, I redirected my gaze to the laundry to hide my shaking pupils.


    Ten years ago. That¡¯s right around the time where I was announced as dead.


    No way.


    Aha, no way.


    Ahahaha. There¡¯s no way that¡¯s true.


    Right? That isn¡¯t the case, right, darling?


    But if that rumor is true¡­


    Then, I think I¡¯ll be a bit happy.


    Since it would mean that although I lost my memories due to the accident and forgot you, you never forgot me.


    It was when I shook my head to get that thought out of my mind and started to focus on the laundry once more.


    Aimee tilted her head and said her last words, as if in passing.


    ¡°Ah. There was something else. There¡¯s a rumor that he always holds onto a necklace with a blue gemstone and cries.¡±


    Boom.


    It felt as if thunder had struck inside my head.


    My fingertips were shaking.


    It felt as if something I had thought to be impossible was thrusted right in front of my eyes to prove that it was the truth..


    ¡°But there¡¯s no way that¡¯s true. Anyway, stop wasting time and finish your work!¡±


    Aimee said something again, but I could no longer reply to her.


    Due to the specific detail about the blue necklace, I could do nothing but believe it as the truth.


    ¡°I heard you should never say never¡­¡±


    I¡¯m going to go insane. I think my husband has gone crazy thinking I was dead.


    What should I do?


    * * *


    That night, when everyone had fallen asleep, I quietly placed my resignation letter in front of the head maid¡¯s door and left Count Tremain¡¯s house.


    I considered telling her directly once the day had dawned, but if I did so, those who I¡¯d gotten close to would cry and try to make me stay.


    It would be difficult for me to explain without lying, so I decided to leave without a word.


    Although I¡¯d been confused due to my recovered memories, my conversation with Aimee helped me make my decision.


    Whether I won or lost, I would go and meet Hadel.


    Since it would be difficult to meet the emperor as a maid, I had to find my parents first.


    The de Ach family, which was previously a duchy, has since been demoted to a viscounty.


    With the new memories I had made in these ten years¡­ they were a family of traitors.


    I had no idea what the specifics of the situation was.


    I only knew that the de Ach family were labeled as traitors but had not been executed because they were a family the emperor favored.


    This was information that ¡®the maid Serienne¡¯ knew.


    But now, as ¡®Ashella de Ach¡¯, who regained her memories, I could not believe these rumors.


    There was no way our family would betray the empire.


    ¡°Huu. It¡¯s a bit cold.¡±


    I could see my foggy breath in the dark night air.


    Looking at it blankly, I quickly gathered my senses and started walking.


    My plan was to first meet my parents and tell them the full story before going on to meet Hadel.


    Because even if they were demoted to a viscounty, they were still nobles, which gave them the qualifications to meet with the emperor.


    If my memories served me right, after the de Ach family was demoted from a duchy to a viscounty, they were chased to the southernmost ocean village of Segnoria.


    I boarded the earliest carriage I could find to Segnoria.


    Although my body ached from the bumpy ride, my heart was light in excitement.


    Was it because I would soon be able to meet my family, which I¡¯d been longing for?


    Or was it because of Hadel, who had yet to forget me?


    ¡°But still. To think he went crazy for ten years.¡±


    Although I spoke curtly, I couldn¡¯t control the giggles that kept coming up.


    I was too happy at the fact that he still loved me.


    I could see the world becoming brighter through the carriage window.


    The sky which was slowly turning red was so beautiful my heart felt like it would explode.


    It was a little lighter than a complete red, closer to a pink color.


    Yes, much like Hadel¡¯s clear eyes.


    * * *


    Hadel first came to our house when he was seven years old.


    The you, who was trembling behind the residence door on a snowy day, was quite cute.


    ¡°Ashella, this is His Royal Highness Lahadelt.¡±


    ¡°His Royal¡­ Highness?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Because of some circumstances, he¡¯s going to stay with us at the residence for a while, so take good care of him.¡±


    My father, who at that time was the duke, couldn¡¯t spend much time with me, but he was always kind and warm.


    That day, too, he took the hand of the trembling Hadel and put it into mine, smiling kindly.


    ¡°Your Highness, this is my daughter. She¡¯s the same age as you, so you two can spend time as friends.¡±


    ¡°¡­friends?¡±


    ¡°Although this is an unfamiliar environment, this child will help you a lot. Don¡¯t worry too much, Your Highness.¡±


    Hadel, who was holding my hand because of my father¡¯s guidance, was anxious, his pink eyes shaking. Then, he slowly reached his hand forward.


    It seemed like he wanted to touch my face, but his pink eyes were looking into the distance.


    That¡¯s how I realized.


    Ah. This kid can¡¯t see anything.


    So that¡¯s why he was trembling like this.


    ¡°It¡¯s this way, Your Highness.¡±


    How does it feel to not be able to see? I didn¡¯t know, but one thing was certain.


    That it must be very anxiety-inducing and scary.


    So I brought Hadel¡¯s hand to my cheek.


    I did it slowly and softly so that he, whose hand was flailing midair, would not be surprised.


    ¡°My name is Ashella, but you can call me Asha.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ th-thanks,¡± Hadel said, blushing shyly.


    Maybe it was because he could feel the warmth in my cheek, but he stopped trembling.


    ¡°My name is Lahadelt. I¡¯ll be in your care, Asha.¡±


    I found out later.


    Hadel was a child born from the emperor¡¯s drunken visit to a maid¡¯s room and he had lost his mother to the empress¡¯ hand as soon as he was born.


    To make things worse, he was born with terrible eyesight, and he didn¡¯t receive proper treatment since he was continuously neglected.


    That¡¯s why Hadel was much more cautious, shy, and afraid than other children his age.


    I found out much later that it had taken him incredible bravery to introduce himself to me that day.


    * * *


    The distinguishable salty smell of the ocean reached my nose.


    Though it was hazy, the open view created an atmosphere that improved my mood.


    There was a small hill at the end of the beach. On top of that was a small residence: the de Ach Viscounty.


    After travelling without a break, I had finally arrived and the residence was now in front of my eyes. I was at a loss for words.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying a place like this¡­ is really the residence of the de Ach family?¡±


    Regardless of the fact that they had been chased away for committing a crime, they were still a noble family.


    But the residence in front of my eyes was a two-floor building likely smaller than just my room in the duchy.


    To make things worse, the outer wall had not been conserved properly and it was crumbling off.


    ¡°Just what could¡¯ve happened? How did things get like this¡­¡±


    After hesitating for a bit, I shook myself off and approached the entrance to the residence.


    The guard, with nothing to do, was ripping off some dried fish before glancing at me.


    I worried for a while about what I should tell him, but he didn¡¯t seem to care about me at all.


    ¡°Excuse me, is this the de Ach Viscounty?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, but who are you, my lady?¡±

 Chapter 3

    I was speechless at the repeatedly asked question of who I was.


    What should I say?


    Of course I¡¯m Ashella de Ach.


    If I told this guard the truth, I¡¯ll surely be chased away as a crazy bitch.


    But if I said my commoner name, there was no way he would take me seriously.


    ¡°The Duchess¡­ No, I want to see the Viscountess.¡±


    ¡°The Lady? Do you have an appointment scheduled?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t¡­ Is it really not possible to see her if I don¡¯t have an appointment?¡±


    The guard laughed at my question in a dumbfounded manner. At the moment, the way he looked while chewing the squid seemed obnoxious.


    ¡°Wow. Have you ever seen such an absurd woman? Do you think a noble woman would meet a commoner at any given time?¡±


    The guard was right.


    But mother was a person who would meet a commoner as long as she didn¡¯t have something important to do.


    It¡¯s not likely that mother¡¯s values would have changed. It must be this guard acting on their own.


    ¡°Viscountess de Ach always answers whenever a commoner requests to meet. Do you really not know that?¡±


    ¡°What¡­ What did you say?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s too difficult to see the Viscountess, then I want to see the Viscount. I¡¯m not expecting you to guide me. Just let me in.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m speechless! Look, young lady. Even if this noble family is falling, it is still a Viscount¡¯s residence!¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m aware.¡±


    ¡°Even though our masters treat commoners so kindly, there are exceptions to rude commoners like you!¡±


    ¡°Rude? Who¡¯s the rude, impolite human here¡­!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough! Go away! Where did this commoner come from and start making a scene?¡±


    The guard refused to listen to me any longer and waved his hands around. He turned his head the other way and I felt that there was going to be no use in talking to him anymore.


    ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll see. That rude guard¡­¡­.!¡±


    If this was the house of de Ach, the winner was going to be me. But it¡¯ll be a hassle and take some time.


    After I laughed in the guard¡¯s face, I sat down on the road a few feet away from the house.


    ¡°Huh? Hey hey, hey! What are you doing there?!¡±


    Sure enough, the guard began questioning me with fire in his eyes.


    ¡°Why are you doing this? Do you own the land this road is on?¡±


    ¡°Young lady! Are you in your right mind?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m perfectly sane. Truthfully, it¡¯s only been a while since I¡¯ve regained my sanity, so I¡¯m a little confused. But I¡¯m still in the very! best! condition I¡¯ve been in out of the past 10 years!¡±


    ¡°What is this kid even saying?¡±


    This time, I ignored the guard¡¯s words, stretched my legs, and then leaned on the wall. My parents are people, so they¡¯ll come out of the mansion at some point. I would be fine with my little siblings too. If anyone came out, the fight would end.


    ¡°I have to see the Viscount or Viscountess, so I¡¯m going to wait here! If you don¡¯t like that, you could just open the mansion door for me.¡±


    ¡°Ugh! This crazy bitch! She¡¯s totally insane. Where did this crazy weird bitch come from¡­¡­!¡±


    The guard continued to swear and grumble at me, but he didn¡¯t try to do anything to me by force.


    Relaxing my body, I hugged my bag tightly to my chest.


    Ah. My circumstances are so unfortunate.


    To think that it¡¯d be this hard and sad to meet my family.


    Can one of you hurry and come?


    I¡¯ll be waiting.


    * * *


    It was a very cold winter day.


    ¡°Lahadelt! You¡¯ve been waiting for a while, right?¡±


    It had been exactly one year since the day Hadel gathered up the courage to ask me to be his friend.


    On that day, I promised Hadel to go to the lower village with him for the first time. And it was also the first time I had ever made Hadel wait.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Although he must have been waiting for a while, he just smiled happily and grabbed my hand.


    Then, with an excited heart, I went on a trip to the lower village with him.


    The lower village, which I¡¯ve never been to before, was confusing and noisy.


    ¡°Can you tell me what kind of people there are?¡±


    Finally realizing, I turned to Hadel. I hadn¡¯t thought about how Hadel wouldn¡¯t be able to see all those people because he was blind.


    However, Hadel must have been excited, as he smiled with an expectant face.


    ¡°Um, on the left side, there¡¯s a huge shop. I think it¡¯s a dress shop. Wow, there¡¯s so many pretty clothes. There¡¯s a lot of people inside! I think they¡¯ve all come to buy clothes.¡±


    ¡°I see. A dress shop. What else? What about on the right?¡±


    ¡°On the right, there¡¯s a grandpa standing and holding an instrument¡­¡±


    Like that, I described the surroundings of the street to Hadel for a while.


    Although it was hard at first, I was already used to explaining things to Hadel.


    Hadel listened to me talk, listened to the sounds, and felt the wind happily.


    ¡°Asha, I heard from Sir Coleraine.¡±


    ¡°Hm? Heard what?¡±


    ¡°I heard that they¡¯re having fireworks at the lower village at dinner time.¡±


    ¡°Fireworks?¡±


    ¡°Yup. I heard that they¡¯re like flowers made of fire in the sky. If we go to a place that¡¯s high enough and watch, he said they¡¯re going to be really pretty.¡±


    ¡°But Lahadelt, you¡­¡±


    You can¡¯t see. Are you still fine with that?


    I swallowed the second half of my sentence.


    It was because Hadel had an expression like he really wanted to go.


    ¡°Asha, it¡¯s fine if you explain it. Just like how you¡¯ve been doing until now.¡±


    Hadel¡¯s pink eyes that couldn¡¯t focus on anything seemed brighter than ever.


    I really loved your sparkly eyes. They were like shining gems.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go!¡±


    So we held hands again and went up a nearby mountain.


    Since there were already a lot of people around to see the fireworks, the path wasn¡¯t scary.


    ¡°Lahadelt, hold my hand tightly. The path is uneven.¡±


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m still fine.¡±


    Although we climbed the mountain enthusiastically, since there were already so many people, I could only find a spot in a random corner.


    After stomping your feet a few times, you gave up and sat down on the grass before asking me, ¡°Asha, can you see the sky well? Are we sitting in a good place?¡±


    I, who didn¡¯t want to disappoint Hadel, answered, ¡°Of course! It¡¯s great. We got the best spot!¡±


    ¡°¡­I see. That¡¯s a relief, Asha.¡±


    At that time, I truly thought you believed me.


    Since you were smiling so happily.


    And since you couldn¡¯t see, how would you even know whether or not it was a good spot?


    But on the day you proposed to me, you told me, ¡°If you marry me, I¡¯ll let you see the fireworks from the best spot next time.¡± Do you know how surprised I was?


    ¡°Asha, I think it¡¯s about to start.¡±


    ¡°Oh? You¡¯re right. Everyone¡¯s gotten quiet.¡±


    Boom-!


    Boo-boom-!


    The fireworks I saw that day was something I would never be able to forget.


    The countless fireworks in the sky.


    The exploding sound that made my ears hurt.


    The dark night sky that was filled with white, before spreading with different colours, was so beautiful.


    ¡°Wow¡­ it¡¯s pretty.¡±


    I was so busy watching the fireworks that I forgot to explain how they looked to Hadel.


    Then, suddenly filled with that realization, I looked to find a smiling Hadel, who was looking at the sky with eyes that couldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°Since Asha¡¯s happy, I¡¯m happy.¡±


    ¡°Sorry! I told you I would explain. I¡¯m an idiot!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. We can come again.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Then Asha, can I ask for a favor instead?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Just say it.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡±


    Hadel hesitated for a moment. Opening and closing his mouth several times, his cheeks turned red before he finally spoke.


    ¡°We¡­ decided to be friends.¡±


    ¡°Hm? Yeah, yeah.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been exactly one year from today.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ you¡¯re right. Wow, Lahadelt¡¯s memory is so good!¡±


    ¡°So, can you- ¡­too?¡±


    Bo-bo-boom-!


    ¡°Huh? What? Say it again!¡±


    ¡°So¡­ a nickname. Can you call me by a nickname, too?¡±


    After saying that, Hadel hid his face as if he was embarrassed.


    ¡°Yup!¡±


    His ears were so red, it almost seemed like there was smoke coming from above his head.


    I got embarrassed along with him, blushing.


    ¡°O-of course. Of course I can do something like that¡­! What¡¯s your nickname, Lahadelt?¡±


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t have one.¡±


    ¡°Huh? You don¡¯t have a nickname?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t. Since nobody ever gave me one.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­ then can I make one for you?¡±


    ¡°Yup! I¡¯d be really happy!¡±


    ¡°Um¡­ okay, Hadel. Let¡¯s go with Hadel!¡±


    I didn¡¯t put much thought into it and chose it simply because it sounded pretty. This was only possible because I wasn¡¯t aware that back then, people didn¡¯t usually make nicknames using the middle of their name.


    If I had known that you deliberated, waited, and prepared for one year to say these words, I would¡¯ve thought more carefully before deciding on a nickname.


    ¡°Hadel¡­ Hadel.¡±


    Hadel repeated his nickname several times, before smiling brightly.


    ¡°Thanks, Asha! I love it!¡±


    Your smile was so bright I could see your teeth, and your eyes squinted prettily.


    Even your black hair was shining from the light of the fireworks.


    I can never forget how you looked that day.


    Just thinking about it right now makes my heart swell up with happiness.


    * * *


    ¡°Mm.. I¡¯m sorry, Hadel¡­¡±


    My eyes opened suddenly.


    My head felt foggy.


    My surroundings had now become dark.


    The guard who chased me out earlier was dozing off while leaning on the gate.


    Wow, after acting like he was such a responsible guard, he¡¯s sleeping now. This has to be a joke.


    ¡°Wow. Anyway, I must have been tired. I can¡¯t believe I fell asleep.¡±


    I dreamed about the past again.


    Maybe it was a side effect of recalling 10 years worth of memories, but whenever I dreamed, I dreamed of the past, so it was painful.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point if only the memories come back? All that comes from it is that I want to see him more¡­¡±


    Haa.


    The sighs came out unconsciously.


    What do I have to do to enter the palace?


    For now, as long as I meet my parents, I¡¯ll be able to enter the palace somehow.


    ¡°But how has no one come out yet? It¡¯s already night.¡±


    What should I do?


    What if they came out while I was sleeping and didn¡¯t see me?


    It was when I was in deep thought.


    ¡°Eru! I think you need to practice more.¡±


    ¡°Focus on yourself, sister. Don¡¯t you remember how I beat you yesterday?¡±


    In front of my eyes, I saw a girl and a guy arguing while walking towards me.


    I was so shocked, I had to work hard to calm my thumping heart as I stood up.


    Since the place they were approaching was the one and only, de Ach Viscounty.


    No. There was an even more important reason.


    Although 10 years had passed.


    Although they had grown up.


    How would I not be able to recognize them?


    ¡°¡­Ercian!¡±

 Chapter 4

    I blurted out the name of the person I had missed. Although it came out quietly, my younger brother, Eru, who had good hearing, looked at me with a puzzled expression.


    Blue hair that fluttered in the wind and silver eyes that looked exactly like mine.


    My longing made me choke up as a burning sensation welled up in my eyes.


    ¡°Ariana.¡±


    And next to him was a lovely silver-haired girl who was looking at me with perplexed eyes.


    Ahh. That¡¯s my younger sister.


    My goodness. How did she grow to be so lovely?


    It felt like just yesterday when she would chase after me saying ¡®sister, sister!¡¯


    Well, since she was ten years younger than me, she must already be seventeen years old now.


    ¡°Who are¡­?¡±


    Seeing the faces I had missed so much, I could do nothing about my vision blurring with tears.


    I took one step, then another forward. The closer I got to them, the more emotional I became. It was to the point I felt like I was going to faint from how overwhelming it was.


    ¡°What?! This crazy bitch, really!¡±


    It was when I was close enough to touch my younger siblings if I simply reached out.


    The guard, who was dozing off, had woken up and must have felt something was off, opening his eyes wide open before running my way in shock.


    Ignoring him completely, I told the puzzled children, ¡°You¡¯ve grown a lot. I bet we can even open the time capsule together now.¡±


    The time capsule was something the three of us and Hadel had secretly filled with precious things and buried as a secret from our parents.


    We promised that we would open it when we were all grown up and leaving the residence.


    It was a secret only the four of us knew.


    At my words, the two of them flinched before looking over me.


    They were surprised at my silver hair, and their eyes widened even more at my silver eyes.


    ¡°This makes no sense.¡±


    Yes, you¡¯re right. It really doesn¡¯t make sense.


    But it¡¯s really your older sister. It¡¯s me!


    I¡¯ve returned. Finally.


    ¡°Gosh! Young lady, young master! I apologize. This woman seems a little crazy, so please don¡¯t mind her and come in.¡±


    Geez. This guard seriously can¡¯t read the room whatsoever.


    However, fortunately enough, it didn¡¯t seem as if Ariana or Ercian could even hear the guard¡¯s words.


    Ariana¡¯s blue eyes widened, and her jaw dropped. Next to her, Ercian seemed as if he couldn¡¯t hide his shock with his mouth silently opening and closing.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way¡­ there¡¯s no way this is possible.¡± Ariana was the first to speak.


    She had always been mature when she was young, and as expected, she was one beat faster than Ercian at comprehending the situation.


    Ariana kept shaking her head but still approached me slowly.


    ¡°Ahh, there¡¯s no way.¡±


    Ercian held his arm out and blocked Ariana. It seemed that he still had the manly pride in him to protect his sister.


    Yet, the Ercian that I last saw was him crying on the floor because he had his candy taken away from him.


    ¡°Ariana, I know what you¡¯re thinking, but you¡¯re wrong. It¡¯s not that person. It¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°But¡­!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not! Eldest sister died ten years ago! Why are you acting like an idiot? It¡¯s just someone who looks like her!¡± Ercian shouted, his veins bulging like a madman.


    At those words, Ariana stopped and stared holes into me.


    ¡°You¡­ who are you? Just who are you that¡­¡±


    Just who am I that I look exactly like your older sister and have the same features as her?


    Although she didn¡¯t finish her sentence, I could easily guess what she wanted to ask.


    Since it was written all over her face.


    I slowly approached them and reached out a hand to her.


    Although I could feel Ercian recoiling and being cautious of me, I ignored it and slowly put my hand on top of Ariana¡¯s head.


    Her hair, as blue as water, felt soft and pleasant against my hand.


    ¡°Eru didn¡¯t bother you again today, did he, Ari?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°Haha. Probably not. Since Eru is all grown up now, he must not bother you anymore, right?¡±


    Since Ariana and Ercian were twin siblings, they always fought with each other.


    Ercian would usually bother and tease Ariana, so I would often ask her this at the end of the day.


    Asking whether Eru had bothered her today. Then, you would answer like this.


    [He did, but thanks to you, Sister, I¡¯ve already forgotten all about it!]


    You, who would rub your chubby cheeks against my hand and smile brightly, were really cute.


    But now you¡¯ve become a lady.


    ¡°Hic¡­!¡±


    Ariana¡¯s silver eyes blurred, and clear teardrops started dripping down her face. Ercian, who was next to her, couldn¡¯t control his jaw that had dropped and could only blink.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    There¡¯s nothing else I can do but apologize while looking at you like this.


    I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry that I lived while forgetting you all this time.


    That I forgot you, who must have missed me and cried so much¡­ I¡¯m so sorry.


    I slowly moved my hand that had been on top of Ariana¡¯s head to her cheek. It felt soft and squishy, reminding me of when we were younger.


    ¡°Is it really¡­¡±


    Ariana put her hand over mine. At her warmth, my heart tingled.


    ¡°Is it really you, Sister¡­?¡±


    That single question was filled with countless hesitations.


    Ariana¡¯s blue eyes were filled with so many tears that she couldn¡¯t even focus them.


    Looking at the teardrops that fell down pitifully, I nodded my head.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. It¡¯s your older sister. I¡¯m back, Ari. My lovely younger sister.¡±


    My voice had already started shaking from how emotional I was long ago.


    To reunite after ten years, it was really worth bawling my eyes out.


    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t believe it. Ten years ago, older sister Asha already¡­ hic¡­ Already¡­!¡±


    Ercian was like this from before, too. He was the king of being a step behind, and he was slow-witted. He was often the last to realize something everyone already knew.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t changed, Eru.¡±


    It really felt like I had returned home.


    Seeing my family who hadn¡¯t changed at all from before, my heart felt overwhelmed.


    ¡°Come here, Eru.¡±


    I hugged Ariana with one arm and held out my other arm towards Eru.


    Eru, who was already covered in tears and snot, put down his last defense and ran towards my arms, into my embrace.


    ¡°Waaaah! Sister!¡±


    Yes, yes. You missed me a lot, right? You suffered a lot, right? You wanted to see me, right¡­


    The three of us stood there in each other¡¯s arms, weeping for a long time.


    As I hugged them tightly to me, I could feel the ten years that had passed through their skin.


    It was a long period of time, so much that a young child could become an adult.


    As soon as I realized that, I realized that what I had lost during that time were not just my memories.


    ¡°Hic. Hic, Sister, Sister, Sister¡­! Sniff, we, all, hic, thought that sister, was, was dea¡­ hic!¡±


    The kids, who had completely grown up, and I, who had not been able to see the process of them growing older.


    That would eternally be something I would be sad and regretful about.


    So as much as I was happy that we could reunite, I was sad.


    At the fact that I couldn¡¯t see you when you were growing up, that is.


    ¡°Waaah! Hic! Hic! Sniff sniff¡­ Sister, sniff!¡±


    Eru, who was initially so suspicious of me, was now covered in tears.


    Seeing how that was so similar to him from before, I couldn¡¯t help but laugh among my tears.


    ¡°No, I¡­ what is going on¡­?¡±


    The slow-witted guard was taken aback at how the three of us had been crying for such a long time, looking nervously.


    * * *


    ¡°Your Excellency. What do you want for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Is there any soup left from this morning?¡±


    ¡°There is a little left. Should I heat it up?¡±


    At the maid¡¯s words, Seretina thought for a moment.


    Currently, the finances of the household were not great, which was why they couldn¡¯t eat proper food.


    Although the children were at an age where they had to eat a lot of meat to grow, they had been eating vegetables every day.


    Even though the Emperor often came quietly and gave them some costly items, how could they dare to sell something the Emperor had given them?


    ¡°¡­Okay. We should eat that at least. But why haven¡¯t the children returned yet?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the time where they should already be here¡­ should I go out and look?¡±


    It was at the moment the maid had said that and was about to leave the residence.


    They could see Ariana and Ercian open the door and enter the front yard.


    ¡°Ah, they¡¯re coming. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Excellency. Then I¡¯ll go prepare dinner.¡±


    After the maid left for the kitchen, Seretina turned to the children who were approaching her and stopped before she could take a step.


    Behind the two children was a familiar, no, a face that she had longed to see, walking slowly.


    ¡°¡­There¡¯s no way.¡±


    Wavy silver hair and bright silver eyes. There had been countless nights where she had fallen asleep thinking about that face, begging that she would show up in even a dream.


    ¡°How¡­ how could this be.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t form proper words with her mouth. That was how shocked she was.


    Seretina repeated to herself countless times.


    If this is a dream, please don¡¯t wake me up, please.


    It¡¯s fine if I¡¯m trapped in this dream forever, so please don¡¯t wake me up¡­


    And as she took a trembling step forward.


    ¡°Mother,¡± the mirage-like silver-haired child spoke.


    With a voice she had missed so much, with a face filled with tears.


    On the pale and round face, the straight eyelashes delicately moved.


    The habit to bite and let go of her lower lip with her front teeth whenever she was sad.


    And how she would always cry with her right eye a little more crinkled up than her left eye.


    Everything was the same as her memory.


    Even if all of her younger features had disappeared, Seretina recognized her in a single moment.


    ¡°Asha¡­!¡±


    Because she was her mom.


    Because she was no other than Ashella¡¯s mom.


    Regardless of how she looked or even if she had died, she would recognize her no matter what.


    Even if it was something the entire world would not believe, a single word from her and her expression in that one moment, was enough.


    To prove that the child in front of her eyes was her daughter, that was enough.

 Chapter 5

    Mother held me for a long time, weeping.


    She called my name again and again, and caressed my cheek so much that it started becoming red.


    Meeting again is a truly wonderful thing. Since it was a happy day, I resolved not to cry.


    But I couldn¡¯t do it, even though I tried.


    Then, when my tears finally stopped and words could come out of my mouth again.


    ¡°How¡­ could this be! Honey! Who is that¡­ that lady who looks exactly like Asha?¡±


    It was Father, who had finished his work in his office and had come out, and the same thing repeated.


    At first, his eyes got wide as if he couldn¡¯t believe what he saw, and he denied the sight for a moment before hugging me tightly to him, covering us with tears and snot.


    ¡°This father didn¡¯t believe it! I didn¡¯t believe it, Asha! I thought that the fact that you were dead was complete nonsense! Seriously!¡±


    ¡°Ugh¡­! Honey, you were the first to tell us we needed to accept reality!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Father! Why are you pretending otherwise now?¡±


    ¡°A-ahem! But in my heart, I believed that there was no way that Asha was dead.¡±


    Seeing my father shaking his head with a red face, all of us started laughing.


    Although all of us had cried so much that our noses and eyes were completely red, we were happier than ever.


    ¡°But Asha¡­ Ashella. My daughter! I¡¯m so happy. Seriously¡­ wah!¡±


    Father¡¯s silver eyes trembled before filling with tears once more.


    Then, as if forgetting our laughter from just a moment ago, we all started sobbing again.


    Although we wanted to stop crying, it was impossible.


    Even I, who had made up my mind firmly, couldn¡¯t control my tears.


    ¡°Stop crying, Father. Mother, too.¡±


    ¡°Wahhhh! Of course we will. This is such a happy day. Such a happy day, but¡­!¡±


    Still in disbelief, Father was busy wiping his tears, looking up at me. Then, he continued wailing.


    I think it might take a bit of time for them to calm down.


    * * *


    On the night that Asha and her family shared a tearful reunion.


    In the middle of the endlessly desolate palace stood Hadel, who quietly closed his eyes.


    The cold winter breeze brushed his skin.


    The day he had lost Ashella had been like this too.


    The air had been cold and dry, ashes fluttering through the air.


    ¡°Whew¡­¡±


    An unshakeable feeling of suffocation started from deep within his heart.


    His heartbeat started racing and he could feel a pounding headache starting.


    Hadel¡¯s eyelashes trembled before slowly parting.


    His deep red eyes which had been hidden away were lit by the bright full moon.


    It was a beautiful moon which shone a white and delicate light.


    He had called her silver hair even more beautiful and luminous than the moon itself.


    He had called her silver eyes even more bright and brilliant than the moon itself.


    The reason he had happily left for the palace was because he wished to see what was in front of him then.


    Because he thought that he would finally be able to see Asha¡¯s face.


    But he had not been able to see it for even a single moment and had instead sent her to her death.


    Although he had searched for even her portrait, it had been after the entire residence had burned down, leaving nothing but ashes.


    He couldn¡¯t find anything.


    Not a single thing that contained a trace of her.


    To think that he was a husband who didn¡¯t even know the face of his beloved wife. How funny.


    Hadel, whose voice was once choked up and teary, started laughing his head off.


    ¡°Your Majesty, the air is still cold.¡±


    After he had laughed for a long time, his attendant Derrell, who had been watching him quietly, came forward.


    The Emperor stopped his laughter, before glaring at the moon and turning back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    Hadel, who had been approaching his bedroom, suddenly froze in his steps.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty. I have come as called.¡±


    A lady with the silver hair and silver eyes that he had missed so badly, was kneeling modestly inside his bedroom.


    ¡°I heard that Your Majesty was having trouble sleeping, so I came. I will help you.¡±


    The woman smiled seductively at him.


    Without moving an inch, the Emperor laughed mockingly.


    ¡°You were called?¡±


    The Emperor¡¯s red eyes slowly scanned the woman.


    Shiny silver hair and brilliant silver eyes.


    That he had always imagined. That he had always missed, but could never even create the image of.


    My woman. My wife. My Asha.


    ¡°You were called?¡±


    The Emperor, approaching the woman, slowly held out his hand.


    And right when his hand passed her collarbone, stopped near her neck, and was about to roughly grab it¡ª


    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    At the voice that came out of the woman¡¯s mouth, the Emperor¡¯s face crumpled up.


    Retrieving the hand that could not complete his task, he turned away.


    ¡°Get rid of this.¡±


    Asha was dead.


    But he, who still couldn¡¯t kill or even hurt those who had her color, found himself so pathetic.


    * * *


    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re saying all of this happened because I suddenly went missing?¡±


    My voice trembled. Even my hands shook.


    This made no sense.


    My family wore faces of resignation, nodding their heads with concern.


    ¡°Asha, the situation rapidly worsened after you fell from the cliff, leaving only a necklace behind. All of the nobles conspired to say that you committed suicide in order to hide evidence of treason.¡±


    Although my father spoke as if it no longer affected him, I was completely dumbfounded hearing this for the first time.


    ¡°Just who¡­ why would they make such false accusations?!¡±


    ¡°We still haven¡¯t figured that out for sure.¡±


    My jaw dropped. I did what? I did what in order to hide evidence?


    ¡°That makes no sense. I was heading as planned to the palace to meet Hadel when there was an accident. I hadn¡¯t heard about any kind of evidence in the first place!¡±


    ¡°Yes, of course. It was all a set-up, Asha.¡±


    ¡°After the carriage toppled over¡­ I barely got out, and I found myself in an unfamiliar place. All of a sudden, the bandits¡­!¡±


    Pausing, I closed my eyes and calmed my breathing.


    Thinking back at what had happened then, I started sweating all over again.


    I was so scared.


    I thought I would die right there, and in the end I only survived by chance.


    The guards who had sworn to protect me disappeared and I escaped through the mountains for some time.


    ¡°Whew. In any case, what about Hadel? Are you saying he didn¡¯t protect our family, then?¡±


    They were still his in-laws in name. And they were his wife¡¯s family! We had all lived together before then.


    I almost would have suspected, as would have been logical, that after he became the Emperor, he would forget his previous wife and find himself a better woman.


    That is, if I hadn¡¯t known Hadel so well.


    ¡°Hadel would never do that. He would never throw us away.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, you¡¯re right. His Majesty protected us, of course.¡±


    ¡°So why couldn¡¯t we escape from the false accusations of treachery?¡±


    ¡°Because there was no evidence.¡±


    ¡°But! I thought you said they claimed I had died with all of the evidence!¡±


    ¡°Although you cannot convict someone of a crime without evidence, you also can¡¯t prove them as innocent.¡±


    At my father¡¯s calm response, I was at a loss.


    ¡°Although we protested strongly and His Majesty tried to protect us¡­ He wasn¡¯t in the right mind at the time.¡±


    ¡°What¡­?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because he thought you died, Asha. His Majesty was the one who kept looking for you until the end.¡±


    My heart started thumping crazily in my chest.


    There was nothing I could do about my racing heartbeat, even though I had already been prepared to hear about Hadel and my death.


    ¡°It was His Majesty himself who found your necklace within the ashes.¡±


    Ah. Hadel.


    How much pain were you in?


    If I were you, I might have given up my life already.


    ¡°His Majesty was not in his right mind. Yet he still sought to help us get rid of the dishonorable label of traitors given to our family. But this was a trap that many aristocrats had meticulously prepared in advance. We¡­ couldn¡¯t escape it.¡±


    ¡°Then how are you¡­¡±


    How have you lived as a viscount?


    Although I tried to swallow my question, Father grasped my thoughts easily and replied.


    ¡°His Majesty made it so. He continuously argued that there was no way to be sure without evidence. And given that we had taken His Majesty in and raised him ourselves, the trial ended with our demotion to the rank of a viscount and assignment of land in the south.¡±


    Tears filled my eyes once more.


    For nobles, becoming a family of traitors was a greater disgrace than death ¡ª even if the crime wasn¡¯t certain.


    But exactly that happened to my family during my absence, and they were still living through the aftermath.


    ¡°I need to meet Hadel.¡±


    ¡°Asha. Unfortunately, that is impossible right now.¡±


    ¡°¡­Why? Aren¡¯t you at least able to contact the Emperor?¡±


    ¡°Haa¡­ We might as well be banished right now, you see.¡±


    Now what¡¯s this about?


    ¡°All of the South is ruled by Duke Valkirino. If we want to send something to the Emperor, it must be inspected by the Duchy. That was the price of postponing our punishment for treachery. But the Valkirinos¡­¡±


    ¡°I see. So they¡¯re blocking our letters from going anywhere.¡±


    ¡°Correct. Even a note needs to have its contents vetted first.¡±


    ¡°How unreasonable!¡±


    I could feel rage swelling in my chest. This kind of treatment should not and could not be happening to nobles.


    It was at the moment when I had stood up out of anger.


    Knock knock-


    ¡°Viscount. Her Ladyship Nella Valkirino has arrived.¡±


    A silence fell among the room. Nobody dared open their mouths first.


    Only a few seconds passed.


    And, although there had been no response from my father telling her to come in, the door opened and a doll-like girl entered.


    ¡°Excuse me, as this is urgent business. I have something to talk to Miss Ariana about. Would you call¡­ hm?¡±


    Nella, who had entered the office while flicking her long purple hair behind her, looked at us suspiciously as she saw our entire family gathered in the office.


    With sharp purple eyes, she scanned her surroundings. Finally, she let out a breath after making eye contact with me.


    ¡°What the. There¡¯s a treasure that matches the conditions right here.¡±


    Ignoring everyone else, she smiled and approached me.


    Then, without hesitation, she reached out a hand and touched my silver hair.


    ¡°Such a beautiful silver color. And even your eyes! You¡¯re perfect, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°What kind of rude actions are these, My Ladyship!¡±


    Although my father stood up suddenly, Nella didn¡¯t pay attention, giving a sickly sweet laugh.


    ¡°Who are you? No, no. It doesn¡¯t matter who you are. You¡¯re a maid or something, right?¡±


    Grabbing my chin, Nella turned my head from side to side and inspected me carefully.


    Then, she smiled brightly and opened her mouth.


    ¡°You. Become the Emperor¡¯s Queen.¡±


    Huh? What?


    By Emperor, do you mean my husband Hadel?


    With an indescribable feeling, I could only blink my eyes.


    ¡°I think I need an explanation.¡±


    And hey. I¡¯m already married to him.

 Chapter 6

    The day before Nella Valkirino visited the de Ach residence.


    The nobles¡¯ palace meeting had started in the morning, but barely came to a close late at night.


    ¡°Where should I take you, Your Majesty?¡±


    Following Hadel, who had emerged from the meeting room, was a long line of attendants.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to the lake. Nobody follow me.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you think there exists anyone in this continent that can harm me?¡±


    ¡°¡­But, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re okay with your neck being cut off, go ahead and follow me.¡±


    Seeing Hadel, whose expression did not change as he spoke such fierce words, the attendants could only bow their heads.


    His words were the truth, after all. Hadel was the strongest warrior and the best swordsman on the continent. Even after multiple assassination attempts, he had not lost his life.


    At this point, the assassins sent were rather pitiful.


    ¡°We¡¯ve received your order.¡±


    Seeing his attendants leave, Hadel went to the back of the royal palace, towards the lake.


    This was where he went whenever his thoughts were complicated.


    He particularly liked coming here at night, as he could think about Asha as he watched how the moonlight shone on the still lake.


    ¡°Whew¡­¡±


    Hadel¡¯s sigh flowed into the night fog and became one with the lake.


    In the darkness, a single shadow approached.


    ¡°What is it, Taimon?¡±


    It was his personal shadow guard who was always in the shadows following the Emperor.


    ¡°This might be presumptuous of me, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°Why did you approve of it?¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Although he knew what Taimon was talking about, Hadel acted as if he didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°¡­The issue about instating a queen. It is to my knowledge that Your Majesty has no plans on taking a queen.¡±


    ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right. Such a useless thing is garbage to me.¡±


    ¡°So why did you approve the request of the nobles today?¡±


    Taimon had been Hadel¡¯s follower since he¡¯d first entered the palace. That¡¯s why Hadel was especially weak towards Taimon.


    Although he was a tyrant to everyone else, he treated Taimon like a friend.


    Looking at Taimon¡¯s face for a second, he slowly opened his mouth.


    ¡°An approval, you say¡­ I told them to do as they wished, not that I approved of it.¡±


    ¡°However¡­ If you do so, they will definitely bring a queen.¡±


    ¡°They would. That¡¯s why I told them to do what they want.¡±


    Taimon blinked as if he didn¡¯t understand Hadel¡¯s response. After a moment of silence, Hadel continued.


    ¡°Even if I continue to reject them, those bothersome nobles will keep offering a queen. So, what can I do to stop their idiotic actions?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°The answer is simple, Taimon. I just have to make them want to play it safe.¡±


    Hadel¡¯s gaze drifted towards a far spot in the lake. Although he had come out to see the moon, today, the moon was covered in clouds so he couldn¡¯t even catch a glimpse of it.


    ¡°All I have to do is kill the queen that they offer. On the day the queen is appointed, I¡¯ll kill her.¡±


    Taimon gasped.


    His master was a man who seemed to live without thinking about the future sometimes.


    If he actually did that, the nobles would come to hate him, and the Imperial family might come to an end.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anyone. The person I need is already gone from this world.¡±


    Who needs a world without Asha?


    An empire that took Asha away from me can fall into ruin.


    * * *


    Shatter-!


    An expensive chalice of wine worth ten million gelles hit the floor.


    Nobody even glanced at the costly glass that made a mess with a loud smash.


    ¡°What¡­ what are you saying?¡±


    Lepea, shaking her shoulders and breathing loudly, was so angry that breaking the wine glass was not enough.


    At this, Marquis Melliott tutted his tongue and shook his head.


    ¡°It seems you¡¯re still not ready, Lepea. To think you¡¯re so immature that you can¡¯t even control your emotions.¡±


    ¡°Father! Answer me! Why is it that I couldn¡¯t get chosen as the queen?¡± Lepea shouted, her waist-long silver hair gleaming.


    Marquis Melliott, looking at his furious daughter, slowly opened his mouth. ¡°It took ten years. It took ten years to get the Emperor¡¯s approval on taking a queen.¡±


    With the excuse that he had already gotten married before he was appointed as emperor, he refused to take an official empress, much less a queen.


    And although some had argued that he needed to marry again because his wife had died, they were ignored.


    He had even gone so far as to persecute the nobles who had strongly argued for this, destroying them politically.


    That was why the Marquis¡¯ plan to instate Lepea as the Empress had not come into fruition.


    However, the situation had changed.


    For some reason, the Emperor had not rejected the request this time.


    Lepea, who had continuously tried to seduce the Emperor, had no doubt that she would become the Queen.


    ¡°This is my golden opportunity! I have silver hair and silver eyes. I do! You know that I¡¯m the only one the Emperor cannot kill!¡±


    Marquis Melliott was silent for a moment.


    Lepea was not born with silver hair and silver eyes, but after finding out that the Emperor wouldn¡¯t kill those of silver hair and silver eyes, she had changed her hair and eye color.


    This was all so that she could become the Empress.


    With a pitiful expression, Lepea fell to the carpeted floor in front of the Marquis.


    ¡°Please, Father. Please? You said you would make me into the Empress. My life is meaningless if I don¡¯t become the Empress. The opportunity is right in front of my eyes, so are you telling me to give up the spot next to the Emperor to someone else? Please¡­ Father!¡±


    Even at her ardent pleas, the Marquis¡¯ mind didn¡¯t change.


    ¡°Lepea. You¡¯re still not ready. If you truly want to become the Empress, you need to wait for now.¡±


    ¡°Father¡­!¡±


    ¡°This is the cruel and merciless Emperor we¡¯re talking about. If you bother him even once, he will kill you indiscriminately. But even after bothering him, you are still alive. You are a valuable asset. You might even come to truly receive the Emperor¡¯s love later on.


    ¡°T-Then!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why your time is not now. It¡¯s dangerous. Because we don¡¯t know why the Emperor suddenly approved the instatement of a queen.¡±


    On the outside, he was a tyrant emperor who thoughtlessly abused his power.


    However, Marquis Melliott knew very well.


    What a terrible monster the tiny prince who had been ignored since childhood had become.


    ¡°The Queen might actually be killed on the day of the appointment ceremony.¡±


    At the Marquis¡¯ addition, Lepea¡¯s silver eyes widened.


    They might die. She definitely didn¡¯t want that.


    ¡°For now, we¡¯ll just see how the Emperor treats the Queen and find out what he¡¯s planning. It won¡¯t be too late to move then. If things go awry, we can just silently get rid of that Queen.


    ¡°Father¡­! My goodness, how are you so brilliant?¡±


    Although it was quite the cruel statement, to Lepea, it was the most brilliant plan in the world.


    The father-daughter duo smiled.


    * * *


    ¡°Okay, I want to sit down,¡± Nella, completely ignoring my words, said towards my father. As soon as she did, someone who seemed to be a maid came out of nowhere with a chair, placing it down gently behind Nella.


    ¡°Why are you all standing? My legs hurt, so I¡¯m going to sit for now.¡±


    It was a fancy chair covered in precious jewels.


    Nella sat on the comfortable chair naturally, as if this was the norm for her.


    ¡°Until when are you all going to be standing like that? I came because I wanted to talk.¡±


    Although she was the one who had intruded into the office and acted willfully, she wore a confused expression on her face.


    At the bizarreness of her conduct, I barely managed to stop myself from frowning before speaking. ¡°I would like some additional explanation.¡±


    Nella snorted as soon as I finished my sentence.


    All while not even looking at me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t wish to speak to a maid. Viscount, I mentioned how I wanted to take Ariana as my younger sister last time.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes. However, Ariana is-¡± Father inevitably opened his mouth slowly.


    However, Nella didn¡¯t even wait for him to finish speaking, and interrupted as she wished once more.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s fine now. I don¡¯t need Ariana anymore. Instead.¡±


    Nella¡¯s fancy purple eyes turned to me.


    Within her gaze was disgust, as if she was looking at a bug, mixed with a deep greed.


    ¡°I need that. We¡¯ll adopt her. From the Valkirino Duchy.¡±


    What are you even saying?


    My annoyance began to build.


    It was obvious that if I spoke, Nella, who had the haughty mind of a noble, would not answer.


    Next to me, Ercian was full of anger and opened his mouth to speak, but I told him not to with my eyes before turning to look at my father.


    Father must have been of the same mind as me, as he nodded weakly.


    ¡°An adoption from the Duchy so suddenly¡­ I need some more explanation.¡±


    ¡°Whew. How annoying. Just to earn a mere maid, I have to¡­¡±


    As if Nella was truly irritated, she swept a hand through her hair before scowling.


    She had the gaze and attitude of someone who had lived in luxury since birth.


    ¡°The Emperor has agreed to take on a queen. Honestly, I wanted to go, but.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    It was a situation where I should have stayed still and watched, but the words escaped my mouth before I knew it.


    I only survived because my father had stood up and shouted the same words a second earlier.


    ¡°Why are you so surprised, Viscount? It¡¯s time for His Majesty to have an heir now, too. Although there were many problems since he had so stubbornly rejected this proposition in the past.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ true.¡±


    Wait. I thought he¡¯d gone crazy because I¡¯d died, so why did he approve the instatement of a queen?


    What is he doing in the palace right now?


    Though I did think that there must be a reason for it, there was nothing I could do about my anger.


    ¡°The spot of an empress is a position that I should be taking. But you all know, right? How crazy His Majesty is.¡±


    ¡°What does that have to do with this child?¡±


    ¡°It has everything to do with her. She has silver hair and silver eyes. The Emperor kills everyone without hesitation except for silver-colored women. Wasn¡¯t this an open secret?¡±


    For a moment, silence filled the study.


    An emperor who kills anyone. And an emperor who cannot kill silver-colored women.


    Hadel.


    It¡¯s because of me.


    ¡°If I go as the Queen, the Emperor might get angry and kill me. Then what? That would be bad. That¡¯s why I need to use a shield first.¡±


    ¡°So what you¡¯re saying is that you¡¯ll monitor the situation after sending this child in, then go in as a queen yourself afterwards.¡±


    ¡°Correct. I don¡¯t think a mere maid would be so outrageous as to try and seduce the Emperor. As for your appearance, it¡¯s good enough. And seeing as the Emperor might do terrible things since she¡¯ll be the first queen to be offered, don¡¯t you think a servant is fit for the job?¡±


    ¡®Seeing as the Emperor might do terrible things.¡¯ What kind of nonsense is this?

 Chapter 7

    I was slowly growing dazed after hearing so many shocking words.


    Even if you resented the current emperor for his tyranny, how could you say that he would do terrible things to the Queen?


    There¡¯s no way my gentle Hadel would do such a thing.


    ¡°I was originally going to ask Ariana because of her silver hair. And since His Majesty is kind to the de Ach family, he won¡¯t kill Ariana right away if she goes in as the Queen, no matter how crazy he is. However, I think this maid is much better to use.¡±


    After saying that, Nella turned to look at me.


    As she slowly observed me with clear contempt in her expression, doubt slowly clouded her face.


    ¡°How does a lowly maid have such a rich color? No, wait a second. You somehow¡­ look kind of similar¡­?¡±


    Nella looked back and forth between Ariana and I with her purple eyes.


    Flinching, I bowed my head, but Nella had already begun looking at my family and I with suspicious eyes.


    ¡°That¡¯s obvious. This child is my distant relative. Her name¡­¡±


    Luckily, my father covered it up well. However, we had run into a rut. It seemed he didn¡¯t know what he should say for my name.


    I took a step forward and opened my mouth.


    ¡°My name is Serienne.¡±


    ¡°Hm. I see. The Viscount¡¯s distant relative. Then are you a noble? Aren¡¯t you a maid?¡±


    ¡°¡­No, I am a maid. Please treat me comfortably, My Lady.¡±


    Since Serienne¡¯s identity is actually a commoner.


    This was the identity that had been created after I had wandered around, with no memory nor identity, getting locked up in jail several times as a result.


    Although I had planned on getting rid of it as there was no need for it now, it seemed that I needed it again.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve said all that I wanted to say. I will take it as the Viscount has no objections?¡±


    ¡°No, wait one moment, My Lady. This child is still my¡­!¡±


    ¡°Viscount.¡±


    Although my father tried to protest, Nella cut him off with a firm expression that showed she would not tolerate any objections. Her voice, which had dropped a pitch, made it clear that this was a threat.


    ¡°The Viscount does not have the right to protest. If I say it is, so it shall be.¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    ¡°Then, shall we leave right away? I have an impatient personality. And there isn¡¯t much time left until the queen¡¯s appointment ceremony.¡±


    Smiling widely, Nella stood up.


    The chair she had been sitting on quickly disappeared among the maids.


    Nella brushed herself off before gesturing with her hand, causing the office¡¯s door to open.


    ¡°What are you doing? Follow me.¡±


    At her behaviour and words which made it clear she believed following her was the obvious action to take, I unconsciously clenched my fists.


    However, I had to hold it in for now.


    ¡°Please wait one moment, My Lady.¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that someone like you would dare make me wait?¡±


    ¡°I need to bid farewell to the Viscount.¡±


    ¡°¡­Fine, whatever. Since we need to leave right away, finish quickly and come out.¡±


    As if she was being kind, Nella shrugged her shoulders before leaving the room.


    Although I could hear some nonsense like ¡®aren¡¯t I so gracious?¡¯ in the distance, that wasn¡¯t important right now.


    After the office¡¯s door completely closed, and I confirmed that nobody was near, I quickly grabbed my father¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Father. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    ¡°¡­Asha.¡±


    Father had always been soft-hearted, but it seemed he¡¯d become even more soft-hearted now. To think that his hands would be trembling like this.


    To lighten the somber mood, I forced the corners of my lips up into a smile.


    ¡°This is actually better. You said that the Valkirinos were completely blocking our movements. So meeting Hadel was looking difficult.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°They themselves are saying they¡¯ll take me to Hadel, so what¡¯s there to worry about?¡±


    It was the truth. To think that things would work out this easily.


    Just moments earlier, I had been thinking it might take a long time to meet Hadel again.


    But the situation had rapidly taken a turn.


    ¡°Haha. To think that I, who am already married to Hadel, will marry him again. It¡¯s quite funny.¡±


    ¡°¡­But Asha. His Majesty doesn¡¯t know your face.¡±


    With a worried expression, father caressed my face. Since his deep silver eyes looked exactly like mine, it felt odd.


    ¡°Father.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Asha. Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°I trust Hadel.¡±


    We had spent 10 years together. Even if the time we spent away from each other was also 10 years, I had resolute faith in him.


    Even if Hadel didn¡¯t know my face.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way he wouldn¡¯t recognize me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Asha. You¡­ you don¡¯t know. How much His Majesty has changed.¡±


    ¡°No, Father. Hadel is Hadel.¡±


    That kid is just hurt right now.


    Because he¡¯s hurt. Since it hurts so much, he never knew what else to do but cry.


    That¡¯s how soft-hearted of a child he was.


    ¡°Since he¡¯s my husband. I know him best.¡±


    I squeezed my father¡¯s hand tightly before letting go and standing up. If I put this off any longer, that crazy girl might throw another tantrum.


    Although I had only known her for a short time, Nella Valkirino was truly insane.


    ¡°Ah, I have a question. Father, the Duke¡¯s daughter.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about Young Lady Nella?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Even if she¡¯s the Duke¡¯s daughter, isn¡¯t her attitude too much? Has she always been like this?¡±


    Another silence fell in the office. That in itself was the same as an answer.


    ¡°¡­I see. There¡¯s no need for you to explain. It seems that a certain disrespectful witch needs etiquette lessons.¡±


    Though she may be the Duke¡¯s daughter, the way she was treating a viscount was worse than simple rudeness.


    It seemed that she was acting up because of her father, but she was still a mere Valkirino.


    With a silent smile, my eyes gleamed.


    With anxious eyes, Father asked me.


    ¡°¡­Asha, what are you planning?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much. Don¡¯t worry, Father.¡±


    ¡°But your eyes.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my eyes?¡±


    ¡°I remember you always caused an accident whenever you had that look in your eyes.¡±


    ¡°Hmph, Father worries too much. It¡¯s really nothing important.¡±


    Just the simple thought that I should use my connections with my husband and do as I please?


    So Hadel. You just try and not recognize me.


    If you do, I won¡¯t leave you alone.


    * * *


    ¡°Ex-Excuse me¡­!¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    As I left the residence and was approaching Nella¡¯s carriage, someone came up awkwardly to my side and spoke up.


    When I turned, the guard who had treated me like a crazy bitch stood beside me with a pale face.


    ¡°Hmph. What, are you going to call me a crazy bitch again?¡±


    ¡°What! A crazy bitch? Are you saying that this guard called you that?¡±


    Next to me, my father got angry after hearing my words.


    I had spoken lightly while smiling, but to the guard, it must have sounded like he was about to lose his job.


    ¡°Gosh! My Lady! I didn¡¯t recognize you and committed such a transgression!¡±


    With a loud cry, he suddenly fell to the ground and started rubbing his hands together.


    ¡°I-I failed to recognize you! How dare I!¡±


    Slap-!


    The guard stopped begging and started slapping himself.


    ¡°How dare I! Speak such nonsense! To the Young Lady! Ack!¡±


    Slap! Slap!


    Wait, excuse me¡­ y-you should stop now.


    As soon as I opened my mouth to stop him, the guard must have thought I was going to expose his dark past and started slapping himself harder.


    Slaaap!


    ¡°Eeeek! I apologize, I am sorry! I will never! Open my mouth so recklessly again!¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, sir, um¡­¡±


    ¡°Aaaah! My eyes were just for decoration! How could I! Not recognize the Young Lady! When you¡¯re so noble and beautiful!¡±


    Slaaaaaaap!


    Wow, that must really hurt¡­


    Though I wanted to fire him right then and there after thinking back at his words and actions towards me, seeing him repent to this extent made me pity him.


    I knew, since I had worked as a maid. How scary it was to lose your master¡¯s favor with a single mistake.


    ¡°Ack! Master! Please overlook this just once! If you do, I¡¯ll serve you with this one body forever¡­!¡±


    While listening to his high-pitched declaration, I took a glance towards the direction of Duke Valkirino¡¯s daughter.


    It would be better to shut this guard¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you.¡±


    At my calm words, the guard temporarily shut his wide-open mouth before bowing his head.


    ¡°Gosh, My Lady! Thank you so much! I¡¯ve really committed a grave sin!¡±


    ¡°Instead.¡±


    Bending down towards the guard, I quietly spoke.


    ¡°You must remain silent about what happened and what you saw today. If you don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­Eek! O-Of course!¡±


    He was a quick-witted guard. Before I even finished speaking, he blocked his mouth with his hands and nodded quickly.


    Although it was unlikely that we could hide this forever, this was something I could keep silent about until I met Hadel.


    ¡°Travel safely!¡±


    Leaving the guard whose attitude had done a complete switch from when I had arrived here behind, I walked towards the carriage.


    From behind, I could hear my young family¡¯s teary goodbyes.


    ¡°Sister. You have to contact us!¡±


    ¡°Heuk, Sister! I¡¯ll wait. I¡¯ll wait!¡±


    ¡°Safely¡­ go well! You have to contact us. Got it?¡±


    Although my heart twinged at having to leave so soon after being reunited with my family, there was no other option.


    Given the situation, meeting Hadel as quickly as possible using any available method would be the starting point of solving all of our problems.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Before I entered the carriage, I used all my strength to wave.


    ¡°Why are you making such a big fuss? It¡¯s so distracting. Hurry and get on! I told you we don¡¯t have much time,¡± Nella shouted sharply from within the carriage.


    Awkwardly finishing my goodbyes with my family, I entered the carriage.


    ¡°After hearing that I was the Viscount¡¯s distant relative, the guard wanted to apologize. Earlier, he insulted me.¡±


    ¡°Hm. How funny. The two of you are of the same commoner filth anyway.¡±


    Ah, yes, yes. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s like that, my virtuous noble lady.


    ¡°Ugh, I really hate this. I thought I¡¯d be going with Ariana, so I only prepared one carriage. If I knew I¡¯d be taking a commoner, I would have prepared two carriages.¡±


    Nella complained, scowling at me like I was dirty.


    At that, I was surprised at where she had learned these kinds of thoughts.


    Following Nella¡¯s hand gestures, I sat quietly in the corner.


    I swear¡­ living with this commoner identity is too sad to bear.


    Fortunately, the carriage drove quickly, and stopped just as soon as we had left.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, My Lady.¡±


    I, who had dozed off briefly, opened my eyes while half-awake.


    As soon as I climbed down from the carriage, I saw a dazzling residence.


    ¡°Wow¡­ Did they pour gold over it?¡±


    I was surprised at the grand scale, as well as the gold covering all of the bricks.


    Above all that, my eyes widened as I saw the vast number of servants.


    ¡°How dimwitted. This one will lead you to the room that you¡¯ll use temporarily. For now, wash yourself thoroughly and sleep. Let¡¯s talk more tomorrow.¡±


    A beautiful maid approached me.


    ¡°It¡¯s this way.¡±


    She led me not to the residence I had seen but the servants¡¯ quarters nearby.


    And like that, in the middle of enemy territory, I took another step closer towards the house of those who contributed most in splitting Hadel and I apart.

 Chapter 8

    ¡°Your Majesty. I have a report to make.¡±


    Hadel paused at the voice coming from the darkness.


    With a splash, the lake¡¯s water sloshed belatedly, creating a small disturbance.


    Hadel, feeling the flow of the water for a moment, responded languidly.


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°Marquis Melliott seems to plan on staying quiet.¡±


    ¡°Hooo. What a surprise.¡±


    Marquis Melliott was a man full of ambition.


    He had assumed the Marquis would use this opportunity to make his daughter the Queen, but it appeared he was surprisingly careful.


    ¡°What a shame. I wanted to kill that ridiculous woman once and for all this time.¡±


    A woman who, just when he had almost forgotten her, would appear in his quarters and infuriate him.


    At first, he had been shocked at her silver hair and silver eyes.


    But he couldn¡¯t stand by and let her continue any longer.


    ¡°Then what about the Valkirinos?¡±


    Duke Valkirino was another noble itching to strike because he couldn¡¯t make his daughter into the Empress.


    Nella Valkirino, who was rumoured to be vicious and spiteful, was an enemy he was expecting a commotion from.


    ¡°That¡­ The Valkirinos decided to send someone.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not Nella Valkirino.¡±


    For a moment, a tense calm fell onto the surface of the lake. Hadel, who had been soaking, slowly got out. The moonlight shone on his pale shoulders.


    Drip.


    The water dripped down his toned muscles.


    ¡°How interesting.¡±


    With a strange smile, Hadel swept back his wet, black hair.


    Droplets of water fell as he did so.


    ¡°Tell me more. That isn¡¯t all the information you have, is it, Taimon?¡±


    ¡°Of course. But it¡¯s unexpected.¡±


    ¡°Tell me. I don¡¯t care what it is.¡±


    ¡°I heard they¡¯re sending an adopted child who was put onto the Duke¡¯s family register. But I think¡­¡±


    Unlike usual, Taimon hesitated.


    Because the words about to leave his mouth were ones that would draw the Emperor¡¯s royal wrath.


    If he finished this sentence, his mood would definitely become sour for the rest of the day.


    The Emperor he served was someone whose temperament was always irritable. However, if enraged, his mood would drop to the floor.


    Someone might even die.


    ¡°Why did you stop talking?¡±


    Seeing Taimon hesitate, Hadel walked out of the water.


    The lake rippled and purled, following his steps.


    ¡°¡­It seems to be someone related to the de Ach Viscounty.¡±


    Hadel froze.


    His footsteps stopped in their tracks.


    His pink irises turned slowly towards Taimon¡¯s hidden shadow.


    Like that, there was silence for a long time.


    And afterwards came a slightly cracked voice from Hadel¡¯s open lips.


    ¡°Explain it properly.¡±


    Hearing his dry but shaky voice, Taimon felt sweat dripping down his back.


    The Emperor often caused incidents whenever he was emotionally unstable like this.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t been able to find out much more so far. My apologies, Your Majesty.¡±


    Hadel closed his eyes.


    Whoosh. He felt the temperature drop with the blow of a cold breeze.


    ¡°Hahaha.¡±


    Hadel, who had been still, suddenly laughed. His laughter rang, breaking through the lake¡¯s fog.


    ¡°Kekek¡­ Kehahahaha!¡±


    Flinching, Taimon kept all of his senses sharp.


    This was due to a previous incident where His Majesty the Emperor had suddenly flipped out, brandishing his sword.


    ¡°This is fun. How fun! Hahahahaha!¡±


    Hiding his breath, Taimon put his hand on the hilt of his sword in preparation to draw his sword in an instant, just in case the Emperor erupted in fury.


    Luckily, his fear came to pass.


    After laughing crazily a few more times, Hadel silently put his emotions in order.


    ¡°Those snake-like Valkirinos. Should I just go tonight and kill them all? Hm? Should I do that, Taimon?¡±


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, I¡¯m only joking. Don¡¯t look at me with such a serious expression.¡±


    Taimon swallowed his spit. Although the Emperor brushed it off as a joke, his expression was filled with murderous intent.


    A few years ago, Count Lucien¡¯s family, who had drawn the Emperor¡¯s royal wrath, was massacred in a single night.


    If he hadn¡¯t been able to find documents exposing the corruption of Count Lucien¡¯s family and other nobles, the Imperial throne could have been endangered from the backlash.


    With the evidence found, the Emperor threatened the nobility and succeeded in burying the massacre of the County.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go in. I want to rest.¡±


    Taimon, who was silently shadowing the Emperor, inwardly wished and wished again.


    That someone who could restrain this monster would appear.


    But there was no way that someone existed.


    Taimon just desperately prayed for the monster to properly gather his wits.


    * * *


    Hadel, who couldn¡¯t see, often enjoyed putting his chin on the windowsill to feel the cool wind.


    Between the curtains swaying in the breeze, Hadel¡¯s pink eyes which would move back and forth were quite beautiful.


    That¡¯s why I often played this prank in order to surprise Hadel.


    Slowly tiptoeing towards him from behind as he was lost in thought¡­


    ¡°Ahaaa! Hadel!¡±


    It was a prank of hugging him from behind.


    Then, with a difficult expression, you would hug me back.


    ¡°Asha. Should I pretend to be shocked?¡±


    ¡°Huuuh? You mean you didn¡¯t get surprised again?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh. Sorry. I¡¯ll try to be surprised next time.¡±


    ¡°Tch, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll try harder next time!¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you¡¯re so cute.¡±


    Hadel, who had grown taller in no time, would stroke my hair and smile calmly. Because that smile was so nice to see, I would hang onto his neck.


    ¡°Hadel, how do you always know when I¡¯m coming?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because the sound of your footsteps is so obvious.¡±


    ¡°The sound of my footsteps? But it might not be me.¡±


    Hadel easily lifted me in his arms as I asked. Then, moving to the bed, he sat down and seated me on his lap.


    ¡°I know it all. I know everything about Asha.¡±


    ¡°Hey, no way. Are you saying you can tell if it¡¯s me just from my footsteps?¡±


    ¡°Yep, of course. Asha¡¯s footsteps are special to me.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Although I wanted to keep talking, I couldn¡¯t. Because Hadel¡¯s red lips sweetly swallowed me up.


    ¡°Asha, I love you. I¡¯ll definitely be surprised next time.¡±


    What happened next, again? Did you truly get surprised?


    That was the end of the special memory I didn¡¯t remember properly.


    Yes. It was part of a memory from before you proposed to me.


    * * *


    The sunlight stung my eyes. At that moment, I realized.


    Ah. I was sleeping just now.


    I had dreamed of Hadel.


    ¡°Please wake up, Miss Serienne.¡±


    Splash-!


    ¡°Kya! Th-that¡¯s cold!¡±


    My eyes shot open. My entire body was drenched, and water dripped through my hair.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    What kind of unexpected thing are you doing?


    In front of my eyes was a woman close to the age of a grandmother with wrinkles decorating her face, holding an empty water pitcher and looking down at me expressionlessly.


    ¡°Miss Serienne. There¡¯s not much time until the day you enter the palace. We need to start educating you right away, so please get up.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ You could just wake me up, so why did you dump water on me?¡±


    I was dumbfounded. Was this grandmother going senile? Or just crazy?


    Why is she using water to wake up someone sleeping perfectly fine?


    ¡°I tried to call you with my words, but you didn¡¯t wake up.¡±


    This grandma was acting completely businesslike and spoke in a robotic voice.


    She wasn¡¯t even looking me in the eye in the first place.


    Although she gave off a strange feeling, she had explained that I didn¡¯t wake up when she used her words, so I couldn¡¯t protest.


    ¡°Whew¡­ But this is still too much. What time is it right now?¡±


    ¡°It is 6:07 AM. From now on, while you¡¯re staying at the Valkirino residence, you must be up at 6 AM.


    ¡°¡­That early?¡±


    ¡°Those are the rules. Since breakfast is at 7, you need to hurry and prepare, starting now.¡±


    Why are they so stern?


    Even the Tremain County wasn¡¯t this strict.


    And the de Ach Duchy from my memories wasn¡¯t this strict either!


    Although I had a lot to say, they were all things I couldn¡¯t let out of my mouth.


    I quickly gave up and got out of the bed, shaking off the blankets.


    ¡°Okay. After a simple breakfast, you will take lessons on etiquette befitting a young noble lady. After lunchtime, you will have dance lessons, and during dinner, you will meet the Duke. Starting from next week, you will receive lessons for a week straight on the proper decorum to be the Queen. Do you have any questions?¡±


    Dazedly, I could only blink my eyes.


    What is all this?


    Lessons on what?


    * * *


    ¡°Excuse me, you can¡¯t walk like that.¡±


    ¡°No, not like that. This way.¡±


    ¡°Please memorize the order of a nobles¡¯ greeting from the beginning again.¡±


    This senile old lady was really strict.


    She was so strict that she wasn¡¯t passing any of the noble etiquette and behavior that I already knew.


    This much is enough. Just how perfect did she need it to be?!


    ¡°Ha¡­ I¡¯m tired, so tired.¡±


    All I wanted to do was meet my husband.


    It was right when I was thinking that this was just too much.


    ¡°It is time to eat dinner with the Duke.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Already?¡±


    I haven¡¯t prepared myself yet though!


    But whether or not I was ready was not important to these people.


    In a flurry, I fixed up my clothing and hair, and was guided to the courtyard in the center of the residence.


    When I arrived, there was already a great feast prepared.


    I didn¡¯t know if they always ate like this, but today, the table was so fancily laden that my eyes were blinded.


    I quickly rushed to the Duke and expressed my respect.


    ¡°Your Excellency Duke Valkirino. I¡¯m Serienne.¡±


    Lightly lifting my dress, I bowed my head slightly.


    Slowly raising my head, I saw a middle-aged man with the same purple eyes as Nella staring at me.


    The person I need to seek revenge on¡­!


    With a sharp face, the Duke was a man whose purple hair was glossy as though he had slathered it with oil.


    However, his eyes were like a predator¡¯s.


    He slowly looked me up and down from my head to my feet, making me feel exposed in front of his purple eyes.


    ¡°You look surprisingly similar to her. If Miss Ariana grew a little older, she would look like you.¡±


    For a moment, I thought he knew ¡®Ashella de Ach¡¯, and my heart dropped.


    Awkwardly laughing, I bowed once more.


    Fortunately, it didn¡¯t seem like the Duke recognized my face.


    Well, since I spent all my time with Hadel when I was younger, I rarely attended public events.


    ¡°Once you dress up a humble thing, it¡¯s not bad to look at.¡±


    ¡°Nella. Watch your mouth. This is the body that will become the Emperor¡¯s woman in the future.¡±


    ¡°Pfft. Dad, this is a body that will be lucky if it doesn¡¯t die at the Emperor¡¯s hand, so whatever.¡±


    I was unsure whether to speak during the conversation between the father and daughter. If only they were going to talk, then what was the point of calling me in the first place?


    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s eat. Sit.¡±


    At the Duke¡¯s hand signal, the maids pulled out a chair for me.


    Although I was very hungry and there was a feast awaiting me, it was hard to bring a forkful to my mouth.


    I couldn¡¯t quench my thirst no matter how much water I drank.


    And as I finally began to take a bite.


    ¡°Serienne.¡±


    The Duke called me, causing the food to stop in front of my mouth once more.

 Chapter 9

    ¡°¡­Yes, Your Excellency. Please speak.¡±


    ¡°Although Nella spoke harshly, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll die.¡±


    ¡°Right, Dad? Like I said, I¡¯ve found someone amazing.¡±


    ¡°Be quiet, Nella. Father is talking to Serienne right now.¡±


    At the Duke¡¯s scolding, Nella glared at me in vain, before turning to her food.


    ¡°If you survive the Emperor and fulfill your role well, a big reward will follow. Do you understand?¡±


    Oho. So, he¡¯s saying that if I offer my spot to Nella at the prime moment, then take my leave, they¡¯ll give me a big reward, right?


    But, oh dear.


    The Emperor that you¡¯re working so passionately to fool is already my husband.


    We even registered our marriage. And since Hadel is probably still storing it preciously, I doubt evidence of our marriage would just disappear.


    Although many thoughts came to mind, I put them away and nodded with a resolute expression.


    ¡°¡­Yes, Your Excellency.¡±


    I¡¯d never acted before, so I wasn¡¯t sure if my performance was believable or not. Seeing the Duke¡¯s pleased smile, it seemed it¡¯d worked.


    ¡°Speaking or acting out is forbidden. You said that Viscount de Ach is your relative, right?¡±


    Hearing my father¡¯s name coming from the Duke¡¯s mouth, I gasped.


    Trying not to show it, I slowly breathed out and gave a dry reply.


    ¡°Yes. A¡­ distant relative.¡±


    ¡°But it seemed you had a close relationship.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because it¡¯s been a while. Before then, we barely had any interactions.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Regardless, keep in mind that Viscount de Ach is within the Valkirino domain.¡±


    Ahh. A hostage.


    This is a threat that they¡¯ll keep the de Ach household as hostages.


    Although I tried my best to speak without any emotion, it seemed he¡¯d found out that I was deeply attached to the de Ach family.


    Facing the Duke¡¯s purple gaze, I gave a small smile.


    ¡°Nothing that the Duke is worried about will happen.¡±


    ¡°Hm. It¡¯s good you understand what I¡¯m saying. Now that you¡¯re a member of the Valkirino¡¯s, I¡¯ll issue an escort guard for you.¡±


    ¡°By escort guard, you mean¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be a guard who you can take to the palace, so you don¡¯t have to worry about your safety no matter where you are.¡±


    ¡°¡­I see. Thank you.¡±


    It¡¯s an escort guard in name, that was just a pretense for easy surveillance of me.


    * * *


    Time was passing by quickly.


    To avoid being splashed with water every morning, I had to get up at an obscene hour, and receive terrible education each day.


    Like that, two weeks passed by in a flash.


    ¡°Accessory! Bring the hair accessory!¡±


    ¡°Not this dress. It¡¯s too fancy!¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the necklace?¡±


    The maids were up and about early in the morning to adorn me for the day¡¯s appointment ceremony.


    Until now, I felt that the workers of the Valkirino residence were like machines, but today, it felt like they were seriously scrambling.


    Was the first Queen of the Emperor that important?


    They even seemed nervous to an extent.


    ¡°Let us depart, Young Lady.¡±


    As the door closed, I heard the loud neighs of the horses as the carriage started to rattle forward.


    As I watched the scenery go by, I could picture Hadel¡¯s face.


    Ten years had passed, so how much would he have changed?


    My Hadel, who I missed so much.


    There really isn¡¯t much time left now.


    I¡¯m coming right now, Hadel. So just wait a little bit more.


    * * *


    Clip clop.


    The man on top of the jostling carriage, Rahu, slowly yawned.


    He had been secretly following them after receiving orders given by the Valkirino Duchy to monitor the silver-haired girl, but now, he didn¡¯t have anything to do.


    ¡°How boring.¡±


    A tree¡¯s branch, barren of leaves, passed by his yellow eyes.


    The woman he had been assigned to guard was a more ordinary person than he¡¯d imagined.


    He wondered how the Valkirino Duchy, which routinely indulged in shady deeds, could make such a normal woman go forth as Queen.


    He discovered the reason after a conversation he had in the Duke¡¯s room yesterday night.


    [Tomorrow, that child will enter the Imperial Palace. You¡¯ll follow as well.]


    [Yes, Your Excellency.]


    [Even among the Ru Tribe, you¡¯re the warrior with the greatest fighting power. That¡¯s why I¡¯m entrusting you with such an important task.]


    [Please speak.]


    The Duke spoke with a disgusting smile.


    [That child¡¯s appearance will probably satisfy the Emperor quite a bit, so I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll kill her right away.]


    For a moment, the man was confused.


    She was definitely pretty. With her silver hair and eyes that sparkled, at times he even thought she was beautiful.


    But that didn¡¯t mean the Emperor wouldn¡¯t kill her.


    Of course, he knew the Emperor had a weakness for silver-colored women, but¡­ could the color of one¡¯s hair and eyes really decide whether you¡¯d live or die?


    It seemed that the Emperor was truly crazy.


    But since the man wasn¡¯t stupid, he didn¡¯t question it.


    He just nodded and listened to his master.


    [The Emperor is slowly losing control of his emotions. I¡¯m not completely sure whether he¡¯s bluffing or not, but, on the off chance he kills Serienne¡­]


    Gulp. The man¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple carefully moved.


    The corner of the Duke¡¯s mouth rose briefly.


    [Utilize the moment he kills Serienne to cut the Emperor¡¯s throat. No matter the Emperor¡¯s strength, the second he kills a silver-haired woman, his heart will be anxious.]


    At the Duke¡¯s low command to assassinate, the man¡¯s yellow pupils widened.


    [The sword of someone whose heart is shaken is no longer sharp. Do you understand what I¡¯m saying, Rahu?]


    [Of course, Duke.]


    The yellow-eyed man, Rahu, was the Duke¡¯s trained assassin.


    Regardless of the target, if his master issued an order, he had to obey.


    With a stiff face, he nodded.


    [But the Emperor will likely be unable to kill that child. And if she safely becomes the Queen¡­]


    The Duke brought the wine glass in his hand to his lips.


    His smile, more terrifying than ever, was swallowed by the red wine.


    [After assassinating the Queen, escape.]


    [¡­!]


    [Then I¡¯ll grant you freedom. I¡¯ll destroy the contract tying the Ru Tribe with the Duchy. Furthermore, I¡¯ll save your people from oppression.]


    Freedom. The end of the Ru Tribe¡¯s oppression.


    Baited by the dream he had held his entire life, Rahu faced the Duke and wordlessly kneeled.


    [I shall receive your order.]


    Although it didn¡¯t feel right to kill a woman who had not sinned, there was no other choice.


    Because even he had a goal and things he had to do.


    * * *


    Whinnyyyy¡ª!


    He¡¯d been lost in thought for a while.


    At the horse¡¯s sudden cry, the carriage lurched forward.


    Wondering what happened, he looked down from atop the carriage to where the horse continued to struggle.


    ¡°Whoa¡ªWhoa!¡±


    The coachman attempted to calm the horse. Judging from the situation, it seemed the carriage wheel had fallen into a deep hole.


    The servants who followed from behind tried to help by pushing, but the hole was too deep; the carriage only slid in place, without moving forward.


    In the end, Rahu let out a sigh before he jumped to the ground from the hood of the carriage.


    ¡°Move. I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    The Ru people were a warrior tribe born with formidable musculature.


    And for Rahu, the strongest warrior among them, pushing a mere carriage like this was easy.


    ¡°Ohhhh! Sir Knight!¡±


    Rahu easily removed the carriage from the hole.


    Observing servants either looked at him with awe or turned their heads in displeasure.


    This was due to his skin tone, which was clearly different from the average citizen of the empire.


    ¡°What the, it¡¯s someone from the Ru Tribe?¡±


    ¡°Sh! Be quiet. That¡¯s the Duke¡¯s personal knight!¡±


    As if used to it, Rahu didn¡¯t pay attention to the stares directed toward him and knocked on the carriage door.


    His intention was to make sure the person he guarded was safe.


    Knock knock¡ª


    ¡°Young Lady. Are you okay?¡±


    There was no response. After thinking for a moment, he opened the door.


    ¡°Excuse my rudeness, Young Lady. Although there was a brief problem, it¡¯s been solved, so there¡¯s no need for you to worry¡­¡±


    Rahu spoke with his gaze lowered, and upon sensing that something was amiss, lifted his head.


    He saw that the woman, who previously shone beautifully from the way she¡¯d dressed, now lay in a fetal position.


    Seeing her quivering form, her eyes tightly shut, and her ears covered, Rahu was momentarily lost for words.


    After witnessing how she was so weak she¡¯d tremble at the slightest shaking of the carriage, he felt a sudden wave of guilt rush over him.


    He should offer words of assurance now that he was there, but he wondered whether he had the right to say something like that.


    Because his objective was to kill this woman anyway.


    * * *


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty. I shall¡­ prepare your clothing.¡±


    Hadel stared at Derrell, the Chamberlain who entered while trembling.


    He reckoned that this Grand Chamberlain had lasted for quite some time, but it seemed the passing of time only increased his fear of him.


    Seeing how he trembled so hard it was visible, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    Perhaps his laughter became another source of terror, for the Grand Chamberlain¡¯s legs lost strength and he fell.


    ¡°I-I apologize! P-p-p-please don¡¯t be angry, Your Majesty!¡±


    Observing the Grand Chamberlain shudder while he prostrated himself, as if he¡¯d committed some egregious error, Hadel silently let out a sigh.


    If there was no mistake, he wouldn¡¯t kill him.


    The reason he had killed the previous Grand Chamberlain was because he¡¯d hidden a poisonous needle in his clothes.


    A normal chamberlain wasn¡¯t even worth killing.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just start.¡±


    As soon as Hadel spoke, the Grand Chamberlain bolted upright to spread the clothes.


    If he didn¡¯t act as soon as the command was given, he would be scolded.


    ¡°When did you say the appointment ceremony was again?¡±


    ¡°A-After lunch, at around 10 o¡¯clock.¡±


    Hadel was lost in his thoughts.


    Although he didn¡¯t know which pitiful woman would come here to be offered as a sacrifice, he had no intention to accept her as his Queen.


    In fact, she might not actually be such a pitiful woman.


    She might be ambitious and use this as an opportunity to aim for the spot next to the Emperor.


    Regardless, he would make a decision after seeing her personally.


    Anyway, as long as there were no huge variables, that woman would die today.


    Would she die, becoming a key that he could use against the Valkirino?


    Or would she just die as an expendable good?


    ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±


    While his words were quite bleak, the tips of Hadel¡¯s mouth moved up.


    How stupid was this woman to shorten her own lifespan by walking into this place?


    Regardless of who she was, it didn¡¯t matter.


    If not Asha, they were all the same.


    ¡°It¡¯s all done, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Then you can leave.¡±


    Trembling, he gave a deep bow, then fled the bedroom.


    Looking down at his clothes, his brows knit before he grabbed his forehead.


    Perhaps it was because he lacked so much sleep lately that he often got migraines.


    Although he¡¯d tried taking medicine that would help with sleep, after he¡¯d been almost poisoned, he¡¯d stopped taking medicine altogether.


    Since then, he¡¯d suffered insomnia, but it was especially bad these days.


    ¡°Hoo¡­ Asha, it¡¯s too hard for me.¡±


    Even if it was a life that didn¡¯t matter if he died right now.


    He couldn¡¯t die just yet.


    Until he got revenge on everyone who made Asha die like that.


    No matter what happened, he would survive and destroy them all.


    ¡°¡­I miss you.¡±


    Hadel¡¯s untouchable cries resonated in the air.


    Bitter pink eyes, full of moisture, slowly closed.

 Chapter 10

    What do I say when I see Hadel? What kind of expression do I make so he¡¯ll recognize me?


    Half-excited and half-worried, my thoughts swirled like so on the way.


    Suddenly, the carriage shook violently and tilted to the side.


    It wasn¡¯t a big incident, but at that moment, I could only think of the accident ten years ago when I had almost died.


    The letter from Hadel back then telling me he would officially make me the empress when he was crowned emperor at the coronation ceremony.


    Because Hadel was called to the palace almost immediately after we got married, we had to part ways before we could even savor married life.


    However, at the thought that I was suddenly becoming the Empress, I had been afraid yet happy.


    Since I believed I could do anything if I was with Hadel.


    But the accident on the way to the palace where the carriage flipped over.


    The guards that all disappeared.


    And the sudden attack from the bandits.


    I had to run away before I could even process what was happening.


    In order to live and see Hadel again.


    The terror I felt then was so heavy it was indescribable.


    The primal fear that I might actually die like this.


    The fear of what could possibly happen if I was caught by the bandits.


    And the despair that I might not be able to see Hadel ever again.


    I was swallowed by all of those negative emotions.


    ¡°Calm down. Calm down, Asha. This time, it¡¯s really just a small accident. That won¡¯t happen. Let¡¯s calm down. Calm down¡­..¡±


    Maybe it was because I was on my way to see Hadel this time too.


    Or maybe my trauma resurfaced because it was a similar situation.


    I don¡¯t know what the exact reason was.


    But no matter how much I tried to calm myself down, I couldn¡¯t stop shaking like a leaf.


    My heart was beating loudly and my thoughts kept traveling to the worst-case scenario.


    I felt pathetic.


    Even though I knew I was overreacting at a small carriage accident, I couldn¡¯t control my body.


    I was trembling for who knows how long, when out of nowhere, I heard someone¡¯s voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. There¡¯s nothing wrong, so don¡¯t be too scared, My Lady.¡±


    I was barely able to lift my head to look at the speaker..


    ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    The first things I saw were his bright platinum blonde hair and his brilliant, yellow jewel-like eyes, as well as his dark tan skin uncommon for a citizen of the Empire.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re a knight from the Ru Tribe. I¡¯m¡­ okay.¡±


    At my words, the man from the Ru Tribe was quiet for a moment, before opening his mouth.


    ¡°The Duke told me to guard you well. I¡¯ll escort you safely, so do not feel so nervous.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, thank you. Please take care of me.¡±


    I came to my senses at the word ¡®Duke¡¯.


    Yeah. I didn¡¯t have the time to be having a breakdown from my traumatic memories.


    I was finally on the way to meet Hadel again, and there was a lot of work to do when I saw him.


    Focus, Ashella!


    You don¡¯t have time to be shaking in fear!


    I shut my eyes firmly, then opened them again, straightening my posture.


    I took a deep breath and smiled.


    ¡°Sir Knight from the Ru Tribe. You¡¯re going to be protecting me from now on, so could you tell me your name?¡±


    Although he was a knight assigned to protect me, he was also someone who took orders from Duke Valkirino.


    There might have been something I could get from him. And he was also someone I had to hide my true identity well from.


    The man, surprised, blinked his yellow eyes several times before answering.


    ¡°I am¡­. Rahu Shepide.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you Sir Rahu. You may already know, but I¡¯m Serienne. Please address me comfortably.¡±


    I gave a small smile again.


    Just as there was a saying that you can¡¯t spit on a smiling face, it was important to smile often at the enemy.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll be going then. I¡¯ll always be near, even if you can¡¯t see me, so please rest assured.¡±


    After Rahu spoke, he disappeared in a flurry.


    I didn¡¯t know where he was following from, but he must have been hiding pretty close.


    This was a roundabout way of threatening me that they were watching me very closely and not to try anything stupid, right?


    Haa. I¡¯m anxious.


    Hadel, who doesn¡¯t know my face.


    He even thinks I¡¯m dead, so if I suddenly say that I¡¯m Ashella, I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll believe me.


    Not to mention, my family is being held as hostages at the Valkirino Duchy, so I can¡¯t hastily reveal myself.


    [Asha. Remember this. Valkirino was probably at the center of the nobles that caused our downfall. You cannot let them find out that you are alive.]


    [Father.]


    [Until His Majesty recognizes you, do not act hastily.]


    It was the parting wish of my father, who, ultimately, couldn¡¯t hide the worry on his face.


    I nodded my head, indicating I understood, but I didn¡¯t think it would take long.


    ¡°Since Hadel is Hadel.¡±


    A fresh breeze came in through the open window.


    The branches that passed by were bare of leaves.


    When winter passed and spring came, even those bare branches would bloom.


    By then, everything would be done.


    Then, it would be nice to go look at flowers with Hadel.


    The carriage started up smoothly again.


    As various thoughts about Hadel passed my mind, we arrived at the Imperial palace in no time.


    ¡°Young Lady, I am Head Maid Prim Chunet.¡±


    As soon as I got off the carriage, my personal head maid was already waiting for me at the front.


    She was a middle-aged woman with impressive blue hair and eyes.


    ¡°I see. You¡¯re Countess Chunet. Nice to meet you.¡±


    Chunet County was related to Duke Valkirino.


    Meaning my head maid was one of the Duchy¡¯s people.


    She would report my every move to Duke Valkirino. She was at the top of the list of people I had to be careful of.


    Madam Chunet lowered her head at my greeting and replied.


    ¡°It¡¯s an honor that you recognize me. Please follow me this way.¡±


    She said it was an honor, but her expression was a different story.


    I found her stiff and mechanical face expressions and body language odd.


    All of the Valkirinos felt like humans without emotions.


    Although I¡¯d already known their employees were like that, who knew their relatives would be too?


    Nella, who had a bubbly personality, albeit in a bad sort of way, was the weird one out of them.


    ¡°The appointment ceremony will be at 10 o¡¯clock. Before then, please stay in the waiting room for a moment. We will fix your disheveled appearance.¡±


    Lost in thought, only moving as the head maid and other maids told me to, the makeup was fixed in no time.


    And before I knew it, I was standing in front of the entrance of the ceremony hall.


    ¡°Announce her.¡±


    The attendant at the entrance that was in charge of the guestbook confirmed me and Madame Chunet before opening the door.


    ¡°Young Lady Serienne of the Valkirino Duchy is entering-!¡±


    The title Young Lady was familiar and unfamiliar at the same time.


    The pleasant smell of flowers wafted through the open doors.


    ¡°You may enter now. I cannot go in, so I will be waiting here.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°¡­I hope you return safely.¡±


    I glanced at Madame Chunet. Her head was bowed, so it was hard to tell whether she was being sincere or not.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see each other again. No matter what.¡±


    I moved my gaze to the slowly opening doors and smiled.


    When else would there be such a happy and exciting day?


    As I entered the hall, I could feel the stares of many nobles following me.


    So this was what it meant to have everyone¡¯s eyes on you.


    There was nothing in the world with more pressure than this.


    I knew where I had to go without even having to ask, because there was a carpet through the middle adorned with roses.


    ¡°That woman¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh my, does she really have silver hair and eyes?¡±


    ¡°The Valkirino Duchy found a treasure.¡±


    ¡°Regardless, she¡¯ll still die soon.¡±


    ¡°Shh! Be quiet. She could hear you.¡±


    ¡°But if it¡¯s to that extent, she might not die today?¡±


    It was no joke. Everyone everywhere was whispering about me.


    It was the first time I¡¯d ever been this popular.


    As I walked forward, step by step on the red carpet, my heart started to beat faster.


    Tap tap. Taaap. Tap tap tap.


    I slowly raised my fingers to the back of my hand, before tapping to the racing of my heartbeat.


    Twice fast with my index finger.


    Once slowly with my pinky finger.


    And three times quickly with my thumb.


    Hadel, it¡¯s not a problem if you don¡¯t recognize my face.


    I have endless ways to make you recognize me.


    * * *


    When was it? Was it when we were twelve?


    I once had a severe cold and my voice wouldn¡¯t work.


    ¡°I¡¯m sad because I can¡¯t talk with Asha. Get better quickly!¡±


    He couldn¡¯t see, so he couldn¡¯t communicate with writing.


    A few days had passed, and there were no signs that my voice was going to come back anytime soon.


    It was a day when Hadel and I were both frustrated.


    ¡°Asha! Roman told me this. He said to try making sign language! Well, in this case, you have to feel instead of see, so is it not considered sign language?¡±


    Hadel smiled brightly with excitement and held my hand. From then on, we began working hard at making our own signs.


    ¡°Hm, like this. Try tapping your pointer finger once!¡±


    ¡°How about this? Can you move only your pinky finger?¡±


    ¡°How about if you tap your thumb twice it means you like it, and if you tap three times it means you¡¯re asking if I like it?¡±


    Following Hadel¡¯s words I immediately responded with the finger signals.


    I tapped my thumb. When I tapped twice on Hadel¡¯s thumb he smiled happily.


    ¡°Asha, this is like our secret signal! I¡¯m so excited!¡±


    I tapped my thumb twice again, on Hadel¡¯s hand.


    Yes, I like it too.


    They were signals that only Hadel, who had a good sense of touch, could have thought of.


    * * *


    ¡°When the Young Lady reaches the end of the hall and kneels in front of the throne, Your Majesty will approach her and bestow a tiara upon her.¡±


    The attendant repeated his words multiple times because the Emperor showed no reaction.


    By the third time, the Emperor finally moved his pink eyes and stared at the attendant.


    ¡°I know. Why are you repeating the same thing again and again? It¡¯s distracting.¡±


    Hic!


    Hadel said the words without any particular thought, but to the attendant, it felt like a death sentence.


    To prevent the sudden hiccup that came out, he held his breath with all his strength.


    Looking at the attendant as if his reaction was absurd, Hadel moved his gaze back to the front.


    There was a woman with sparking silver hair walking slowly from the entrance.


    ¡°She¡¯s better than Marquis Melliott¡¯s stupid daughter.¡±


    Duke Valkirino must have prepared someone better than he¡¯d imagined.


    The woman who walked in elegantly and nobly kept her eyes downcast and knelt in front of the throne.


    The silver hair that fell down her shoulder sparkled and kept catching his attention.


    ¡°Lift your head.¡±


    Should I kill her now or not?


    Should I threaten her a little or not?


    There were thousands of internal conflicts in his head.


    But all of his thoughts were shattered the moment the woman lifted her head and he met her bright silver eyes.


    Because her eyes were so similar to what he¡¯d imagined Asha¡¯s eyes to look like.


    ¡°Argh¡­¡±


    He¡¯d thought he¡¯d be fine. He¡¯d worked very hard.


    So that he would be able to kill a woman even if she had silver hair and eyes.


    Since if he didn¡¯t strike the opponent first, he would be hurt the moment he hesitated.


    But why?


    His head started hurting. He felt nauseous, like he was about to throw up.


    The doctor had said it was a symptom of trauma.


    Ah, Asha.


    You can shake me so easily even after you¡¯ve died.


    How could you leave before me? How¡­?!


    ¡°Haa¡­¡±


    He couldn¡¯t let the enemy¡¯s tricks shake him any longer.


    If this was something that could shake him up this much, it was better to just get rid of it now.


    Gritting his teeth, he moved his hand to the handle of his sword.


    Clack. And just when the sword left the sheath and he was about to kill her in one go¨C


    The woman who was still holding his gaze smiled quietly.


    Then, she slowly¡­ moved her fingers.


    Tap tap.


    Taaap.


    Tap tap tap.

 Chapter 11

    ¡°Lift your head.¡±


    Your low voice sounded so sweet.


    No, it might¡¯ve actually been cold.


    But to me, I only heard gentleness and sweetness.


    Since no matter how much time passed, this silver color belonged to you.


    Holding in the tears that were on the verge of falling, I slowly raised my head.


    In my memories, your pink eyes never had a focus.


    However, they still had a bright and sparkly light to them.


    I¡¯d always thought that your pink eyes shone just as prettily as the legendary gem that was picked from the petals.


    But seeing you after ten years had passed, your eyes were no longer those with no focus.


    And¡­ your pink eyes that were staring into mine no longer shone like they once did.


    It¡¯s too sad.


    Seeing you like that, my heart ached so much.


    I felt another wave of tears forming, but I managed to hold it in.


    I didn¡¯t want to have the reunion with my husband wearing a depressed and teary face.


    Using all of my might, I made a smile by lifting the corners of my lips.


    And just as I had practiced, I slowly moved my finger.


    Originally, this was something I¡¯d do while holding Hadel¡¯s hand, but because that wasn¡¯t realistic at the moment, I started tapping my fingers on the back of my own hand.


    First, tapping twice with my index finger.


    Today,


    Next, tapping with my pinky finger.


    did you,


    Lastly, tapping three times with my thumb.


    sleep well?


    There was a period when Hadel often couldn¡¯t sleep well due to nightmares.


    That¡¯s why I occasionally read him fairy tales.


    However, I couldn¡¯t do that when I had a sore throat after I¡¯d caught a cold.


    That¡¯s why I created this signal so that I could ask how Hadel had slept, and whether he had any nightmares during the night.


    I¡¯d thought about what I should tell him first.


    When we were young, there were a lot of things we told each other using signals we made with our hands.


    So I decided to ask what I was the most worried about.


    Did you sleep well while I was gone?


    Seeing my fingers, Hadel¡¯s eyes widened largely as if they were going to pop out of his head.


    Seeing how even his lips slightly parted, it seemed he was very surprised.


    Blinking slowly, I took Hadel¡¯s face in with my eyes.


    When I¡¯d last seen him ten years ago, he¡¯d still had a boyish charm to him.


    Now, he was a complete adult.


    A face that I¡¯d missed,


    and yearned for so much.


    As I wondered if the person in front of me was really Hadel, I found that tears were welling up in my eyes again.


    ¡°T-Then we¡¯ll begin the presentation of the tiara.¡±


    At the Grand Chamberlain¡¯s announcement, Hadel and I were brought back to reality.


    Abruptly dropping my head, I hid the tears that were about to fall.


    Pausing for a moment, Hadel lowered the heavy tiara onto my head, and the weight of the tiara caused my head to slightly dip.


    It felt like I could feel Hadel¡¯s trembling fingers through the tiara, but I couldn¡¯t see what expression he was making.


    * * *


    Along with the Lily Palace, I received the title of ¡®Silver Lily.¡¯


    It seemed that it was influenced by my silver hair.


    ¡°Madame Chunet. I said we¡¯d meet again, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    Anyway, I was finally, truly, the Queen of the Emperor.


    Although I didn¡¯t receive a title of nobility, it was the unspoken rule that the Queen who received a title from the Emperor himself would be treated as a rank greater than a count, and less than a duke.


    That¡¯s why I could speak informally to the Countess, Madame Chunet.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily. I congratulate you.¡±


    And Madame Chunet also very naturally changed her manner of speech and the way she addressed me.


    However, she must¡¯ve been unable to hide the thorns behind her words, because her greeting sounded sharp somewhere.


    Well, as the Countess, of course she wouldn¡¯t want to serve me, a commoner, as her master.


    ¡°Now, I¡¯ll help you wash and tidy up.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still daytime, so why are we washing so early?¡±


    ¡°Since we don¡¯t know when His Majesty will come looking for you.¡±


    Her actions on the outside were definitely polite.


    However, I had a subtle feeling that she was looking down at me.


    Should I let this go or find fault with it?


    ¡°¡­I don¡¯t think he will.¡±


    It looked like Hadel was truly surprised. Did he really recognize me?


    By my judgment, the answer was ¡®no¡¯.


    Hadel thinks I¡¯m dead.


    It won¡¯t be easy for him to instantly deny my death just from a simple hand signal and believe that I was ¡®Ashella¡¯.


    He¡¯s probably deep in confusion and floundering around right now.


    Since he¡¯s so timid, it might take him a long time until he even comes to find me and ask.


    Perhaps Madame Chunet was displeased at the words I said while thinking of Hadel¡¯s personality, because she took a step forward and started to speak.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily, I understand that you might not know very well. However, generally, the Queen must be prepared for His Majesty to come at any time, and prepare¡­¡±


    ¡°Madame Chunet.¡±


    She was speaking with the tone of a lecture that wouldn¡¯t end.


    Being unable to listen to it until the end, I cut her off with a stern voice.


    The maids who were assigned to me stood in a line behind Madame Chunet with their heads bowed.


    If I let this go, there would be talk about how I acted like a commoner despite being the Queen, and the authority of the Lily Palace would be given to Madame Chunet.


    I couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    ¡°I think you¡¯re really elegant and refined, Madame. That must be why the Duke recommended you as the Head Maid.¡±


    ¡°¡­You flatter me.¡±


    ¡°But still, you have years of age on you. I think you¡¯ve forgotten that I¡¯ve already learned and know all of this.¡±


    During the short period of time I stayed at the Valkirino Duchy, I learned many things about imperial etiquette at a rapid pace.


    Although it was all due to cramming, the results were quite amazing.


    Not to mention, I was originally born as a duchy¡¯s young lady and had lived that way for more than ten years.


    All the basic things were ingrained in my body, despite living as a commoner for ten years and having a fuzzy memory of the past.


    Even though she didn¡¯t know that I was originally the daughter of a duke, even Madame Chunet knew I spent time at the Valkirinos to learn.


    ¡°Madame, you¡¯re the lady of the renowned Chunet County, and now the head maid of the Queen. But your speech just now¡­¡±


    Pausing, I slightly tilted my head as if I was truly confused.


    ¡°¡­seemed like someone who never learned that speaking in a patronizing tone to their master is a violation of the lese-majeste law.¡±


    Tl/n: L¨¨se-majest¨¦ (a French term meaning ¡°to do wrong to majesty¡±) is a crime that encompasses defamation, insults, and threats to a member of the Imperial family.


    ¡°I¡­¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, I know there¡¯s no way Madame Chunet didn¡¯t learn about this. That¡¯s why I¡¯m so worried.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°It seems like due to your age, you¡¯ve forgotten a few things.¡±


    Now that it came to this, Madame Chunet could only make one of two choices.


    Become a pathetic noble who didn¡¯t even receive proper education from her household, or acknowledge that she did learn properly, but forgot and made a mistake due to her failing memory at her old age.


    Madame Chunet narrowed her eyes.


    It seemed like she had a strong sense of caution towards me.


    But her emotions only leaked for a brief second, as she quickly bowed her head and lowered her posture.


    ¡°I apologize. As I¡¯ve been raising two children, my memory is not as good as before.¡±


    Seeing her deeply bowing towards me, I nodded.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s fine. That can happen. Anyway, I understand you only said that because you were excessively worried about me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Thank you, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as you are careful not to do this in the future. Right?¡±


    Making eye contact with Madame Chunet, who had lifted her head, I smiled.


    At my question that was inducing an answer, the woman slowly answered.


    ¡°¡­Yes, I¡¯ll be careful.¡±


    Mm. Did I start off too strongly?


    But since I had to see her every day from now on, I couldn¡¯t just let her continue to talk to me in such a rude manner.


    If they started to disrespect me one by one, they might even try to outsmart me.


    ¡°Good. Then as you advised, I¡¯ll wash right away. Lead the way.¡±


    Since I gave her the stick, I should give a bit of the carrot as well, now.


    Although in this situation, even a carrot felt like nothing.


    * * *


    ¡°Wow¡­ Is this really a palace?¡±


    I¡¯d decided to visit the Lily Palace, which had been granted to me, only to be rendered speechless from how dumbfounded I was.


    There was not a single flower in the garden, and the outer walls were in such shambles that you could see the interior.


    It seemed that the paint had completely peeled off a long time ago.


    ¡°It looks like it hasn¡¯t been occupied for quite a time. Should we clean it first?¡±


    ¡°Today is the Queen¡¯s appointment ceremony, and nobody cleaned this place?¡±


    ¡°¡­I apologize. We didn¡¯t know which palace would be granted to Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°I already know that it was decided beforehand. Don¡¯t try to make excuses.¡±


    At my sharp comment, Madame Chunet shut her mouth.


    Although I wanted to say more, I decided to let it go this time, since I¡¯d already rebuked her earlier.


    ¡°Wow. Will I even be able to take a bath like this?¡±


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll prepare it right away.¡±


    Responding with a cold voice, Madame Chunet quickly disappeared towards the bathroom.


    It¡¯s probably just not prepared at all.


    It seemed that thinking I would die, nobody had organized this place.


    ¡°At this point, it¡¯s nothing but disrespect to my face.¡±


    Grumbling to myself as I waited, Madame Chunet came back, probably done with the preparations.


    ¡°Come this way, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    Upon arrival, I realized that although the bathroom was a mess, it was enough to wash in.


    ¡­Other than the fact that there was a musty smell coming from who knows where.


    ¡°I¡¯ll prepare the bedroom. These maids will aid you, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    Two maids stepped closer to me and started to undress me.


    Youj: i will k/ll madame chunet w my own two hands

 Chapter 12

    Starting with the heavy tiara, my clothes were removed one by one until I was shivering because of the air.


    ¡°The weather is still pretty cold.¡±


    Cool wind blew through the windows. Wanting to hurry into the hot water, I dipped a toe into the tub, but for some reason it wasn¡¯t hot at all.


    ¡°Could you heat up the water?¡±


    ¡°I apologize. This is the amount of hot water the Lily Palace is currently rationed.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this going too far, since it¡¯s the first night I¡¯m spending with the Emperor?


    ¡°I apologize, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    Watching the maid bow her head, I couldn¡¯t help but sigh.


    I knew this would happen. I could tell something was off the moment Madame Chunet started disrespecting me.


    Even though I was their master, the one who actually held the power was Madame Chunet¡ªthe Head Maid. She belonged to a county, while rumors that I was a commoner were already spreading.


    To make matters worse, as a relative of Duke Valkirino, she received his support.


    It must be confusing for the other maids to watch the Head Maid tacitly look down on me, who¡¯d become the Queen as the Duke¡¯s adopted daughter.


    There was a strong possibility that the Duchy told them to prioritize Madame Chunet over me.


    ¡°Oh well. Since it¡¯s cold, let¡¯s hurry and wash up so we can leave.¡±


    I ended up half-heartedly rushing to begin the bath.


    Because the water was becoming increasingly colder, my hands and feet were freezing, and my head was on the verge of aching.


    I wanted to get it done quickly so I could leave, but the maids¡¯ hands were very slow, causing me to get annoyed.


    ¡°Please hurry¡ªactually, no. Everyone, get out. I¡¯ll finish it myself.¡±


    Eventually, I tried to send them away and finish it on my own.


    However, everyone hesitated and didn¡¯t put the bucket of water down.


    ¡°Why are you just standing there instead of leaving?¡±


    ¡°¡­The Head Maid ordered us to tend to you until it was done,¡± said a cute-looking child with her brown hair tied up high.


    Usually, there were rules ensuring that all maids had the same kind of hairstyle. So the fact that she had a different hairstyle meant she wasn¡¯t a low-class maid, but rather, a maid with autonomy and position.


    She was probably the rank below the Head Maid, which meant she was in the same group as Madame Chunet.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Your name, name.¡±


    She must¡¯ve been taken aback by me suddenly asking for her name, as she couldn¡¯t answer right away and avoided my gaze.


    ¡°W-Why are you asking for my name¡­¡±


    ¡°Considering you¡¯ll be tending to me from now on, we¡¯re a family. Don¡¯t you think I need to know your name?¡±


    After saying that, I forced the corners of my lips up and smiled.


    It felt like the sides of my mouth were trembling, since I was freezing to death while trying to force a smile. While I was hoping they couldn¡¯t tell, a reply came.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯m Mary.¡±


    ¡°Ah, you must be the Emile Viscounty¡¯s youngest daughter.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡±


    I didn¡¯t know the Emile Viscounty was on Valkirino¡¯s side.


    ¡°So, Mary. Who did you come to the palace to be a maid for?¡±


    I asked Mary, who was begrudgingly answering me.


    ¡°It was¡­ Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll say it once more. Get out, Mary. All of you as well.¡±


    As I repeated this firmly with my gaze fixed onto Mary, the other maids flinched. She was probably the person acting as their leader.


    ¡°Mary, why are you not following my order?¡±


    She bit her lip in response to my words, which left no room for talking back.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯ll receive your order.¡±


    Bowing her head, she took the other maids with her and left the washroom.


    Since Madame Chunet was quick at situational decision-making, it wasn¡¯t too obvious.


    But Mary¡¯s emotions were transparent. Seeing how clearly she regarded Madame Chunet as more important than me, the thought that she¡¯d be pretty easy to deal with came to mind.


    ¡°Haa¡­ What a tiresome day.¡±


    I felt a sudden wave of dizziness as I watched the water, which had lost all its heat, splashing around.


    There was so much to do from here on out.


    I have to covertly yet definitively let Hadel know that I was Ashella.


    It wouldn¡¯t be easy, seeing as I had to act in a way unsuspicious to Madame Chunet and all the other spies from the Duchy.


    If that was the case, first of all¡­


    ¡°I need to get rid of some of them.¡±


    Since it didn¡¯t seem like my timid husband Hadel would come find me immediately, I had to prepare myself so I could move around whenever I wanted to, from this side.


    * * *


    ¡°Mary. Why is everyone out here without Miss Silver Lily?¡±


    ¡°Ah, Head Maid.¡±


    Seeing Mary come out of the washroom, Madame Chunet asked a sharp question.


    Briefly glaring at the washroom where Ashella was, Mary quickly rushed toward Madame Chunet.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily abruptly forced us all to leave! She got angry all of a sudden and said it was an order, so we couldn¡¯t stay there any longer.¡±


    ¡°¡­Is that so?¡±


    Madame Chunet narrowed her eyes to determine whether or not Mary was telling the truth.


    Though she was using Mary because she listened to her and obediently followed her orders, the girl tended to exaggerate things, so it was important to filter what she said.


    ¡°It¡¯d be more comfortable for her to receive help while washing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. She just complained that the water was cold.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡±


    Seeing Madame Chunet¡¯s uncomfortable expression, Mary got excited and opened her mouth again.


    ¡°Honestly, she¡¯s just a queen in name¡ªin reality, she¡¯s just leftovers, right? She should be thankful she rose from her status as a commoner. How dare she order us around with her head held high as if she actually amounts to something?!¡±


    ¡°Be quiet, Mary. The others are listening.¡±


    ¡°Did I say something wrong? Everyone agrees with me. She¡¯ll be lucky if she doesn¡¯t get killed by His Majesty the Emperor!¡±


    ¡°Mary!¡±


    Madame Chunet deliberately shouted at Mary, whose words were slowly becoming excessive,  with a strict tone.


    She may have internally thought the same, but at that moment, there were too many people watching and listening.


    For rumors to spread of her being an elegant Madame and Head Maid, she needed to be able to control an immature maid.


    Seeing Madame Chunet¡¯s angered expression, Mary¡¯s shoulders flinched, and her tone changed to one of reflection.


    ¡°I-I apologize. That was thoughtless of me.¡±


    If the Silver Lily ended up being officially acknowledged as the Queen by the Emperor, Mary and all others who¡¯d made similar comments would be executed for violating the l¨¨se-majest¨¦ law.


    However, no one here thought that Mary would be punished, because they were truly expecting the Silver Lily to soon be either killed or chased out.


    ¡°This is the Palace. Watch your mouth.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    ¡°Though¡­¡±


    Madame Chunet¡¯s stern face relaxed.


    An obvious smile formed on her face.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that Miss Silver Lily isn¡¯t used to life in the palace. Mary, you¡¯ll need to help her a lot.¡±


    ¡°O-Of course!¡±


    ¡°The Duke is also worried about whether Miss Silver Lily is adjusting well. Do you understand what I¡¯m saying?¡±


    When Mary lifted her head, she saw Madame Chunet smiling gently.


    The fury from earlier had completely disappeared, as if it had never been there in the first place.


    Swallowing, Mary nodded her head aggressively.


    ¡°Yes, Head Maid! Leave it to me!¡±


    Greed blazed in her pea-green eyes as she responded with emphasis.


    There was only one path for the youngest daughter of a mediocre household: catching the eye of someone with power.


    Madame Chunet was a veteran who¡¯d survived in high society for a long time.


    Not only was she very influential, she was also a blood relative of the Valkirino Duchy, which was very powerful.


    There was no one else in this palace with such strong connections.


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll look forward to it, Mary.¡±


    In Mary¡¯s eyes, she could picture the rose-colored path she¡¯d walk from now on.


    Everyone was jealous of Mary, since there was no way Queen Silver Lily would ever receive the Emperor¡¯s love.


    * * *


    ¡°Achoo!¡±


    I could feel goosebumps forming as I shivered.


    It must¡¯ve been because I¡¯d washed in cold water, but I kept sneezing.


    ¡°I want to quickly get a warm blanket and lie down¡­¡±


    Although I¡¯d washed myself off crazily fast after sending the maids out, I unfortunately was still unable to go to my bed¡ªMadame Chunet had dryly said I had to wait because she hadn¡¯t finished preparing the room.


    After trembling, sneezing several times, and sniffing up my snot, Madame Chunet finally called for me.


    ¡°Goshhh, it¡¯s so cold. I¡¯m going to lie down for a bit, Madame Chunet.¡±


    I slipped into the bed and wrapped myself in blankets.


    Exhausted, I could feel sleep coming to me.


    But my goodness. Madame Chunet must¡¯ve been displeased about something again, for she started shaking her head with a stern face.


    ¡°You can¡¯t sleep yet. The day hasn¡¯t completely dawned, and His Majesty might come.¡±


    I told you there¡¯s no way That Majesty would do that.


    Anyway, you¡¯ve been thinking I¡¯d die by the Emperor¡¯s hand all this time, so why do you keep saying he might come find me?


    ¡°If That Majesty comes, wake me up. I¡¯ll take a quick rest for now.¡±


    Without waiting for a response from Madame Chunet, I buried myself into the blankets.


    Luckily, the blankets, at least, were soft and okay for use.


    Right when my eyes closed and I was about to fall asleep¡­


    ¡°¡­Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Ahhh, please! I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    Why does this woman keep doing this to me?


    Did she receive an order from the Duke to completely annoy me?? Hm? Is that it?


    ¡°You need to wake up.¡±


    ¡°I told you I¡¯d rest for a bit.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s arrived.¡±


    ¡°Just a bit¡­ Huh?¡±


    ¡°His Majesty has arrived. Please get up.¡±


    Huh?!


    Just like that, my eyes suddenly opened.


    What did you just say?


    The most timid boy in the universe came to find me right away?

 Chapter 13

    Upon hearing that His Majesty the Emperor had arrived, Madame Chunet hastily got up and left.


    I hadn¡¯t thought Hadel, the king of timidity, would come find me so soon!


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty!¡±


    Hadel was truly in front of the door, staring at me with a panic-stricken expression.


    My goodness.


    I haven¡¯t prepared myself to meet you yet¡­


    ¡°Kyaaa!¡±


    It happened immediately.


    The moment our gazes met, I was laid down onto the bed as my eyes shook. As his breaths touched my nose, I could feel the yearning from my memories coming back up.


    ¡°You.¡±


    While I was trying my best to ignore the memories flooding in, the voice that came from Hadel¡¯s mouth was full of anxiousness.


    He purposefully came even closer to me and grabbed my silver hair with one hand.


    We made eye contact again, and Hadel¡¯s pretty dark pink eyes started shaking.


    ¡°Just who are you?¡± he asked roughly, as if he was a growling beast.


    I wanted to tell him ¡°it¡¯s me¡± and ¡°I¡¯ve returned,¡± but I glanced at where the Head Maid had been standing.


    Although she¡¯d left as soon as Hadel entered, she was definitely listening in on our conversation.


    Plus, the soldier from the Ru Tribe was probably surveilling me and watching the situation from outside the window.


    Rahu, was it?


    Regardless, because I was being observed, I couldn¡¯t speak freely.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d visit me today.¡±


    It was the truth.


    Weren¡¯t you the kid who¡¯d think and think about what you wanted to say, only finally speaking when your thoughts were on the verge of rotting?


    ¡°What a strange method of seduction.¡±


    A strange method of seduction? Isn¡¯t interpreting what I said as seduction strange in and of itself¡­?


    I suddenly became worried that even his mind had gotten sick. Did my concern show in my expression?


    The hand grabbing my hair tightened as his face crumpled and darkened.


    ¡°Do it again.¡±


    ¡°¡­Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°I told you to do it again.¡±


    Yes, but what exactly are you asking me to do again?


    Although I was on the verge of letting such complaints come out of my mouth, I held them in because something bad could happen if I messed up.


    I had to be extra careful until Hadel acknowledged that I was Ashella.


    ¡°What¡­ are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Was it just a coincidence?¡±


    What do you mean?!


    As I watched Hadel, who was seemingly having a conversation with himself, I carefully placed my hand on his.


    He flinched, but then his body started trembling and his expression hardened.


    His gaze followed my hand.


    What, do you hate holding hands with me that much? You liked it so much before.


    Though his actions made sense since he didn¡¯t know who I was, I felt strangely betrayed.


    ¡°Just what are you up to¡­!¡±


    Hadel suddenly clasped his mouth shut.


    Tap.


    First, with my thumb.


    I lightly tapped the back of Hadel¡¯s hand.


    Taaaap, tap tap.


    Taaaap. Tap.


    Be careful when you speak.


    The more I moved my fingers, the more Hadel¡¯s deep pink eyes widened.


    Ugh. I would¡¯ve created more finger signs if I had known I¡¯d be using them in such a nerve-wracking situation.


    Although I¡¯d thought about what I wanted to say for a while, I decided to pass on the most urgent things first.


    It¡¯d be bad if Hadel happened to say my name or any suspicious words, after all. We could speak ambiguously to an extent, but there¡¯d be no fixing it if we said something too suspicious.


    Given the way his eyes started violently shaking, he must¡¯ve understood my signals. His pupils, which were darting around as if there was an earthquake, suddenly lost their focus.


    ¡°Keuk¡­!¡±


    He suddenly clutched his head and lowered it.


    I was surprised and grabbed onto Hadel¡¯s arm.


    ¡°Your Majesty! Are you unwell somewhere?¡±


    Though I wanted to warmly call him ¡°Hadel,¡± it wasn¡¯t possible yet. I had to wait because there were many watching eyes.


    Well, to be exact, they were ears¡ªnot eyes.


    While I briefly lost focus, worried about the situation outside, Hadel reached his arm toward my hair once more.


    The soft and fine silver hairs sparkled as they slid through Hadel¡¯s fingertips.


    Something must have displeased him¡ªhis expression made it seem like he wanted to rip my hair. In the end, all he did was tremble as it fell out of his grasp.


    ¡°Yes. Valkirino has prepared something really amazing this time.¡±


    In front of me, Hadel¡¯s pink eyes appeared to burn red. That¡¯s how emotional he was.


    ¡°Should I give them a passing grade this time? Seeing as they changed both the hair and eye color, their devotion is quite admirable. Not to mention, they somehow found out about these absurd hand gestures and taught you them.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t dye it, Your Majesty. This is my natural ha¡ªYour Majesty? Your Majesty!¡±


    Hadel, who had been holding onto my hair, suddenly staggered.


    It seemed there was something wrong with his body somewhere.


    ¡°A royal physician! I¡¯ll call a royal physician! Your Majesty!¡±


    Bam!


    Hadel coldly slapped my hand away before getting up unsteadily.


    Even while swaying like he might collapse at any moment, he fixed me with a turbulent gaze.


    ¡°What tricks did you¡­ use on me, agh!¡±


    In Hadel¡¯s eyes, which were still shaking, I saw many emotions flash by: shock, panic, haste, and fury.


    ¡°Are your¡­ headaches bad?¡±


    My heart hurt beyond words as I watched him scrunch up his eyes and grab his head.


    It¡¯s my first time seeing you in so long, yet I have to watch you be in pain and struggle like this.


    I didn¡¯t know it¡¯d be this bad, Hadel.


    ¡°Your Majesty, are you having trouble sleeping properly?¡±


    Hadel occasionally suffered from headaches.


    It was especially bad when he couldn¡¯t sleep properly for several days in a row.


    Hadel was showing the symptoms he¡¯d displayed when he¡¯d had headaches from insomnia¡ªthat is, scrunching up his eyes or harshly opening and closing them¡ªrather than from when he was dazed and muddled because of a cold.


    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    Out of concern, I took one step closer to him and outstretched my arms.


    But the more I approached him¡ªno, even more than that¡ªHadel backed away in surprise.


    His pink eyes and my silver eyes met in midair.


    After a brief moment of silence, I opened my mouth once more.


    ¡°Your Majesty. You need to sleep properly for¡ª¡±


    ¡°Close that mouth.¡±


    But Hadel would not permit it.


    His low voice was obscured by his rough breaths.


    Hadel, who lightly let out retching noises, grinded his teeth before staring at me head on.


    No, Hadel. Don¡¯t grind your teeth!


    What are you going to do if your teeth get destroyed because of it?


    I barely managed to restrain the words that were about to escape me.


    Seeing me opening and closing my mouth again, Hadel spoke coldly.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die¡­ Don¡¯t say or do anything else.¡±


    After he scarily threatened me, he leaned an arm against the table next to him.


    Collapse! Crash!


    The corner of the wooden table broke way too easily.


    Oh my gosh. Hadel, when did you get so strong¡­


    I didn¡¯t even have time to be shocked, because Hadel swayed and stumbled like he was going to collapse again. And right as I was about to reach my arms toward him in surprise¡­


    ¡°Huh¡­?¡±


    Hadel disappeared.


    Right before my eyes, he disappeared like the wind.


    All that was left in his place was his smell, which pressed down lightly onto my heart.


    * * *


    Bang!


    The table broke into two pieces.


    Taimon was sweating and bracing his entire body, because it seemed the crazy Emperor had begun his crazy actions once more.


    ¡°Haa. Haa¡­¡±


    Hadel breathed roughly. While stepping on the remains of the broken table, he strangely brought up a corner of his lips.


    He paid no mind to the splinters he had from the table he¡¯d just broken with his bare hands, despite the blood dripping down them.


    He wasn¡¯t in the mood to worry about something like that.


    ¡°Taimon.¡±


    At his low growl, Taimon¡ªwho had been hiding in the shadows¡ªsuddenly showed himself.


    ¡°Please give your command, Your Majesty.¡±


    Hadel took a deep breath while looking at Taimon, who was kneeling with his head bent.


    I can¡¯t lose my reason.


    I can¡¯t lose my self-control over an attack and shock of this degree.


    ¡°That woman.¡±


    As Hadel spoke, he grinded his teeth together.


    The woman with colors like those of Asha.


    The woman who deceived me with those ridiculous hand motions.


    I was really surprised at the beginning since they were so similar to the hand signs I¡¯d made with Asha.


    I¡¯d gone to the Lily Palace to confirm whether it was a coincidence or not, but that woman was definitely acting like that because she knew something.


    Sure, it was a sign I¡¯d made with Asha, but it¡¯s not like it was a secret at the time.


    They might have asked the people who¡¯d worked at the de Ach Viscounty so they could make her seem as close to Asha as possible.


    They really put a lot of effort into this.


    They probably prepared for a long time.


    How dare they take Asha away from me and then put a fake Asha in her place?


    If Asha had really been alive all this time, why didn¡¯t she come looking for me until now?


    So Asha truly didn¡¯t exist.


    She was now actually¡­!


    Stab!


    This time, a sword was unsheathed at a speed nobody could see and was subsequently deeply embedded into the marble floor, creating cracks.


    In response to Hadel¡¯s monster-like actions, Taimon used his trembling hands to lightly grab onto the handle of his sword. If a fragment came his way, he needed to safely block it.


    Luckily enough, though, Hadel had no more outbursts. He closed his eyes and breathed roughly while spitting out words.


    ¡°Did you not finish your investigation into what relationship she has with the de Ach Viscounty?¡±


    ¡°¡­I apologize. It¡¯s because she appeared so suddenly. Plus, the Valkirinos are blocking all contact with the de Ach family.¡±


    ¡°Haa¡­¡±


    Hadel¡¯s exhales were filled with laughter mocking no one but himself.


    ¡°How pathetic.¡±


    There was no way that woman was Asha, but he still couldn¡¯t bring himself to kill her. Even after he¡¯d reached out his hand to do so.


    ¡°Investigate her and her relationship with the Valkirino Duchy thoroughly.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m expecting meaningful results as quickly as possible.¡±


    Taimon bowed his head, and his inner thoughts became cold alongside the final chilly command he¡¯d received.


    No matter how weak the Emperor was to silver-colored women, who knew it would cause such an impact.


    Thinking that his innocent subordinates would die for no reason, Taimon disappeared into the shadows with a heavy face.

 Chapter 14

    ¡°Achoo!¡±


    The tip of my nose had been itchy since earlier, so I ended up sneezing again.


    I lost track of how many times I¡¯d sneezed, yet not a single maid had asked how I was feeling. They were probably cautious because they didn¡¯t know how Madame Chunet would react.


    My body felt cold, so I pulled the blankets close to me and curled up. However, I could strangely still feel the chilly air.


    Perhaps it was because my nervousness about meeting Hadel earlier had disappeared.


    Finally, I couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and quietly called for Madame Chunet.


    ¡°Madame Chunet.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Can you stoke the fire a bit more?¡±


    ¡°¡­I cannot.¡±


    ¡°Haa. What can you do?¡±


    Madame Chunet ignored my grumbles, instead calling my name in her characteristically dry voice.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Do you know why His Majesty was so surprised?¡±


    There it is.


    I was wondering why you hadn¡¯t asked me.


    She definitely received an order to watch and report my every action to Duke Valkirino.


    The Emperor¡¯s visit alone must have been surprising, so they probably were especially curious as to why that Emperor powerlessly collapsed before returning.


    I took a second to consider how I should respond.


    I definitely couldn¡¯t tell the truth, but it¡¯d be strange to pretend I didn¡¯t know anything at all.


    Acting like it wasn¡¯t of much importance, I spoke with a slight smile.


    ¡°Who knows. Don¡¯t you know the reason well enough, Madame Chunet?¡±


    After saying that, I grabbed a handful of my hair and shook it.


    The Head Maid stared at my face for a moment, then bowed her head without any further words.


    I was going to motion for her to leave the room, but I stopped because I suddenly thought of a good idea to let Hadel know who I was.


    ¡°Madame Chunet. No matter how much my actions are restricted here, it shouldn¡¯t matter what I do with the funds allocated to me, right?¡±


    ¡°Correct, though the amount of money allocated to you is so small that I¡¯m not sure you¡¯ll be able to buy what you want, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. What I want is very common, you see.¡±


    ¡°¡­What is it?¡± Madame Chunet asked suspiciously.


    In response, I clearly stated my request.


    ¡°A bird. Get me a very yellow chick.¡±


    ¡°¡­What do you plan on using it for?¡±


    ¡°Do I have to tell you something like that too?¡±


    ¡°¡­But¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because I¡¯m lonely, okay?! And I know selling and purchasing animals on the streets is illegal according to the Empire¡¯s laws, so adopt a cute but strong chick from a licensed chicken farm.¡±


    Madame Chunet didn¡¯t respond.


    To confirm, I hammered in the nail one more time.


    ¡°No matter how powerless I am as a Queen only in name, can¡¯t you at least do this? I don¡¯t think the Duke will be interested in me raising a chick.¡±


    ¡°¡­Understood.¡±


    ¡°Do it for me as soon as the day dawns.¡±


    After finishing what I wanted to say, I pulled the blanket over my head again.


    It felt like my body had gotten a little bit warmer after thinking about Hadel.


    He¡¯d probably come find me again soon, given his condition from today, so I had to quickly put this game to an end.


    I can¡¯t let this drag on any longer, since, above all else, Hadel¡¯s condition was much worse than I¡¯d thought.


    * * *


    ¡°Here¡¯s the report, Your Excellency the Duke.¡±


    The shadow fluctuated as a heavy voice rang through the air.


    Setting down the wine glass he¡¯d been drinking from, Duke Valkirino leaned deeply into the sofa.


    ¡°The Emperor went to Lily Palace. We don¡¯t know why, but he seemed very tormented as he looked at the Silver Lily before leaving swiftly.¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡±


    The Duke¡¯s purple eyes gleamed.


    He went to the Lily Palace and didn¡¯t kill the girl¡ªinstead, he seemed tormented and then swiftly left?


    ¡°This is an unexpected turn of events.¡±


    No matter how weak the Emperor was to silver-colored women, he didn¡¯t expect it¡¯d be this severe.


    Had the Emperor gotten weaker? Or¡­


    The Duke, who had been lost in his thoughts for a while slowly blinked, his eyelashes lowering and rising.


    ¡°Did some other unexpected variable appear?¡±


    When Marquis Melliot¡¯s daughter Lepea changed her hair color and tried to seduce him, the Emperor¡¯s emotions had been perilous, but not to this extent.


    Each time, he¡¯d almost killed Lepea before ultimately throwing her aside.


    However, this time he wasn¡¯t able to even touch a fingernail before fleeing?


    ¡°Does the Emperor know that the child is a distant relative of the de Ach family?¡±


    ¡°Not yet. However, it seems that he¡¯s found out that they are somehow related.¡±


    ¡°Hm. Well, there¡¯s no need to hide it. Since the person who could control the Emperor is already¡­¡±


    The tip of the Duke¡¯s mouth quivered, then quirked up strangely. His eyes thrashed with lunacy for a moment before calming down.


    ¡°Since she no longer exists in this world.¡±


    Ashella de Ach.


    To be honest, he¡¯d originally had no interest in whether Lahadelt¡ªwho¡¯d been chased away to the de Ach Duchy¡ªstarted dating someone or not.


    He was only a half-blood Prince, after all, and there was no way someone like that would become the ruling Emperor.


    Thus, the Duke hadn¡¯t been concerned at all.


    Even after he¡¯d killed the other seven princes and slowly poisoned the Emperor to death, he could have never imagined the half-blood Prince they¡¯d chased out would become a hindrance.


    But then, the few nobles who were on the royals¡¯ side brought Lahadelt into the Imperial palace and made him into the Crown Prince.


    If the Duke had opposed him there, he would have received suspicion. In the end, he supported the half-blood Prince into becoming the Emperor and planned for the future.


    Wasn¡¯t it thanks to him that Lahadelt was able to become the Emperor, anyway?


    It was natural that the Empress should be his daughter, Nella.


    Funnily enough, though, the stupid half-blood Prince who he had wanted to make his chess piece had already gotten married.


    After a bit of consideration, he had decided to raise the stakes.


    He would murder the wife of the half-blood who would soon become the Emperor and completely dispose of the de Ach Duchy that the Emperor favored so much.


    Although the de Ach family was a Duchy at the time, they weren¡¯t too involved in politics, which is why getting rid of them had been so easy.


    They had had no measures set up to protect their family.


    ¡°Leave for now. Closely observe the Emperor and the Lily Palace. The moment that child acts out or says anything strange, send some military forces to the de Ach Viscounty.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    The shadow fluctuated once more before a feeble wind blew.


    Duke Valkirino burrowed himself deeper into the sofa.


    There was only a faint shell of the Emperor Lahadelt who¡¯d once seemed like an impregnable fortress.


    Who knew that someone could get this wrecked after their wife died¡­ If anything, this might actually be for the better.


    No matter how strong of a human you may be, if you get destroyed like that and continue falling to ruin, you become easier to get rid of.


    That¡¯s why the Duke had ignored the actions of Marquis Melliott and his daughter until now, even when they acted up, since it aided him in making the Emperor waver.


    The Emperor would now slowly dry up and die.


    Afterwards, it¡¯d be easy. He simply needed to get rid of anything that got in his path.


    Just as he¡¯d done until now, he¡¯d remove all of it.


    A new history would be written when his plans succeeded.


    The time for the old royal family of the Sierria Empire was over.


    * * *


    The next morning, the thing that made me lift my heavy eyelashes was Mary¡¯s lilting voice.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily¡ªMiss Silver Lily? Wake up!¡±


    Normally, I would try to hold onto the blanket and sleep for as long as possible, but today was different.


    I could feel shivers going down my spine at the fakeness oozing off of the voice whispering into my ear.


    It was no surprise I instantly woke up.


    ¡°¡­Mary?¡±


    As I blearily opened my stiff eyes, I saw Mary softly smiling as she came close to me.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily! It¡¯s time for you to get up.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Madame Chunet? Why are you here?¡±


    Didn¡¯t Madame Chunet usually coldly wake me with a frosty tone?


    Although several questions filled my head, Mary smiled that fake smile of hers before amiably responding.


    ¡°The Head Maid is preparing your breakfast, Miss Silver Lily. That¡¯s why I received the honor of letting you know that it¡¯s morning.¡±


    Why is she acting like this?


    Wasn¡¯t she the one who was looking at me with disgust until just yesterday?


    There¡¯s no way someone would change overnight like this.


    Not to mention, no matter who saw or heard this, they¡¯d know her smile and tone were artificial.


    Mary must have sensed how taken aback I was, for she hesitated before bowing her head.


    ¡°I was rude to you yesterday, Miss Silver Lily. Thank you for forgiving me. It¡¯ll never happen again!¡±


    I never said I forgave you, though?


    Madame Chunet must have heard what happened in the bathroom and purposely assigned Mary to me.


    It was like she was saying, ¡°no matter how shitty you might feel, you can¡¯t do anything about it, got it?¡± while laughing at me.


    ¡°¡­Okay. I¡¯m in your hands from now on, Mary.¡±


    Surely enough, as soon as I acted like I agreed, Mary¡¯s yellow-green eyes burned with passion.


    ¡°Yes, Miss Silver Lily! Thank you!¡±


    Those eyes were definitely not burning with enthusiasm.


    If anything, isn¡¯t Madame Chunet a little stupid? How is she planning on using a girl who can¡¯t even hide her greedy gaze?


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll get some water so you can wash up, Miss Silver Lily!¡±


    ¡°Okay, thanks.¡±


    Seeing Mary smiling as she hummed under her breath, I smiled as well.


    It seems you¡¯re trying to pick a fight with me and screw me over, but what will you do?


    Thanks to you, I think I¡¯ll get a chance to get rid of Mary sooner than I expected.

 Chapter 15

    I received the small fluffballs I requested yesterday after finishing my meal.


    ¡°Wow! They¡¯re so cute!¡±


    In front of me, yellow balls of fluff were chirping and waddling back and forth.


    Their short legs went ¡°step step step step step¡± as they ran, causing a smile to come naturally to my face.


    ¡°Thank you, Madame Chunet. This will make my life at the palace less boring.¡±


    I was going to get them myself if I was annoyed by how long the maids were taking, but it all worked out.


    It seemed they¡¯d brought the chicks quickly because they were curious what I would do with them.


    ¡°Hm, what feed do I have to give them? I should give them water first¡­¡±


    Although it felt like my hands would reach out to the chicks on their own, I restrained myself with all my might. I knew from experience that it was best for their health to let them just run around.


    Since the more you touched the chicks, the sicker they got.


    What else did I need to know¡­?


    I wanted to raise them properly this time.


    If possible, I wanted to happily raise them with Hadel, though I had no idea when he¡¯d recognize me.


    ¡°Wow! Miss Silver Lily! How can they be this cute?¡±


    Next to me, Mary tried to overreact as much as possible.


    Just what did Madame Chunet promise her for her to change so much overnight?


    Should I slowly start feeling her out?


    ¡°Madame Chunet, can you go to the palace library for me?¡±


    Step step step step! Step step!


    I spoke absentmindedly as I watched the chicks chirp and run around diligently, but it seemed it was important to Madame Chunet, since she quickly responded to my question.


    ¡°What business do you have with the palace library?¡±


    I could feel Mary, who was pretending to be enthralled with the chicks, pricking her ears to listen.


    ¡°I want to read some books about raising chicks.¡±


    While I shrugged my shoulders, questioning why she would ask something so obvious, Madame Chunet was briefly lost in thought at my response.


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit annoying for me to go by myself¡­ and I¡¯m not familiar with the palace, you know?¡±


    Dash!


    One chick came to my foot and kept spinning around it, its ever-so-soft feathers tickling the top.


    ¡°Above all, I don¡¯t want to part ways with them for a single moment!¡±


    Those words were the truth¡ªthe chicks were so cute that I wanted to keep looking at them.


    Plus, someone might harass them while I was gone, so I felt a bit reluctant to leave.


    ¡°Please take care of it, Madame Chunet.¡±


    No matter how weak my power was, I was still the Queen on the outside, and Madame Chunet was the Head Maid here to assist me.


    There was no way that she, as the Head Maid, could ignore my public request in front of all of these people.


    Surely enough, Madame Chunet nodded her head with a polite yet blank expression.


    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll leave the attending to Mary while I¡¯m gone. She¡¯s a bright child, so she¡¯ll behave herself.¡±


    Madame Chunet¡¯s gaze shifted to Mary.


    ¡°Yes, yes! Leave it to me!¡± Mary replied energetically, suddenly blazing with enthusiasm.


    Hm. Did Madame Chunet truly think this girl was bright? Or was she just saying that as an afterthought?


    Seeing Madame briefly develop a hardened expression, it seemed it was probably the latter.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go quickly, then.¡±


    ¡°Yes, thank you.¡±


    After confirming that Madame Chunet had left by watching her back as she walked through the garden and out of Lily Palace territory, I slowly turned to face Mary.


    Mary felt my gaze and grinned widely while amiably pretending to be nice. ¡°Miss Silver Lily! Are there any orders you have for me?¡±


    Since I¡¯d sent Madame Chunet away, I had the rare opportunity to fish for information. I didn¡¯t know whether she¡¯d get caught on the bait or not, but I was pretty sure I¡¯d succeed.


    This fish looked particularly stupid, after all.


    ¡°Mary.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°I want to take a bath. Can you prepare some water?¡±


    ¡°Pardon? Right now?¡±


    Mary¡¯s head tilted in confusion at my sudden request.


    Glancing toward where Madame Chunet had disappeared, I replied hurriedly.


    ¡°Yes. Right now, immediately¡ªand make the water as hot as possible.¡±


    Of course, I didn¡¯t forget to bite my bottom lip to show my anxiousness.


    Mary watched me and debated it for a while before nodding her head.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll order those below me to do it.¡±


    ¡°No, Mary, I¡¯d like it if you did it yourself. I don¡¯t trust the others.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ Then who will attend to you, Miss Silver Lily?¡±


    ¡°The bathroom is right next door. It¡¯s fine. I just have to wait for you, so why would I need to be attended to?¡±


    ¡°¡­But¡­¡±


    I could see Mary¡¯s yellow-green eyes darting back and forth. She was probably racking her brain trying to find out what I was up to.


    Seeing as she headed toward the bathroom, she must have reached a conclusion.


    ¡°¡­Understood. I¡¯ll prepare it quickly.¡±


    It was easy to tell what she was thinking by looking at her grim expression: she would probably go in and pretend she was preparing the water while secretly spying on me.


    As expected, I couldn¡¯t hear Mary moving around even though she went into the bathroom.


    I heard her usual quiet voice, but I didn¡¯t hear her heating the water or preparing the bathroom goods.


    Things seemed to be working out way better than I¡¯d expected.


    I walked around the dressing table and looked around at my surroundings. I made sure to appear as suspicious as possible, biting my lips several times, as if anxious and worried.


    I even glanced obviously toward the bathroom several times to show that I was being cautious of Mary.


    Sure enough, I could see Mary¡¯s shadow coming closer to the bathroom door.


    Rattle.


    Standing sideways, I opened the bottom drawer of the dressing table so it would be easy to see through the door.


    I also looked at my surroundings one more time.


    ¡°Phew¡­¡±


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    Letting out a loud sigh, I took out a large amethyst necklace that I¡¯d prepared earlier from the drawer.


    The amethyst was quite beautiful, reflecting light and shining even more brilliantly.


    Mary must have been very curious right now.


    I wondered what kind of guesses she was making with the little thinking power she had.


    Holding back the urge to laugh, I took out a matchbox that I¡¯d also prepared beforehand.


    I slowly took out a single match and lit it on fire so she could tell it was a matchbox.


    Strike.


    Striiiiiiike.


    She should be reacting to this soon.


    ¡°M-Miss Silver Lily!¡±


    As expected, the bathroom door suddenly opened and Mary darted out.


    I threw the necklace and matchbox back into the drawer, acting very surprised.


    ¡°U-Uh? W-W-W-What is¡­ I mean, w-what about the bathwater?¡±


    It seemed Mary was also taken aback, having come out in a rush without preparing an excuse.


    ¡°Um¡­ I¡­ I think you need to check the water temperature,¡± she stammered.


    ¡°T-The water temperature? Me?¡±


    Why would I check that?


    That¡¯s something you, the maid, should be doing.


    I normally would have scolded her. Right now, though, it was actually better that it turned out this way.


    ¡°Yes. I did run the water, but the temperature¡­ Would you like to put your hand in and feel it?¡±


    So she was planning on luring me to the bathroom.


    Sure, you must have been very curious about what I was hiding, right?


    ¡°Uh¡­ O-Okay.¡±


    I pretended to hesitate by glancing at the drawer once more before slowly walking toward the bathroom.


    It was necessary to make myself look hesitant.


    ¡°As you know, there¡¯s not much fuel allocated to the Lily Palace, so we¡¯re trying to save as much as possible¡­ How is it?¡±


    When I entered the bathroom, I saw that the tub was about half-filled with water. With an even friendlier voice, Mary took my hand and put it into the water.


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s cold. Make it warmer.¡±


    ¡°Ah. We really don¡¯t have fuel, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Haa¡­ This won¡¯t do. I just won¡¯t take a bath today, then. It¡¯s too cold.¡±


    No matter how neglected I was by the Emperor, I was still the Queen in name.


    That¡¯s why you should be more generous with the fuel.


    It truly made no sense that they didn¡¯t have enough fuel to warm up the water just once.


    I, who¡¯d wanted to use this opportunity to properly relax my body in hot water, spoke coldly before turning away.


    ¡°Ah, Miss Silver Lily!¡±


    Seeing how I was actually about to return to the bedroom, Mary quickly grabbed onto the hems of my clothes with panic.


    ¡°N-Now that I think about it, I think there¡¯s some left!¡±


    ¡°¡­Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll go confirm it. Wait just one moment!¡±


    Mary had curiosity, excitement, and greed in her eyes when she said that.


    It was clear to me that she was planning on leaving me here and confirming for herself what was inside the dressing table drawer.


    To think she¡¯d take the bait so willingly.


    When Madame Chunet had said, ¡°she¡¯s bright,¡± she was truly just spewing empty words, right?


    I wasted a bit more time by pretending to consider it before nodding with a reluctant expression.


    ¡°Okay. Hurry and come back. If it¡¯s not hot afterward, I¡¯ll leave the bathroom immediately.¡±


    ¡°Yes! Wait just a moment, Miss Silver Lily!¡± Replying quickly, Mary dashed outside.


    Seeing how she felt rushed to the point of leaving without even closing the bathroom door properly, I couldn¡¯t hold in my uncontrollable laughter.


    I had no idea how Madame Chunet had planned on using such a shabby girl.


    Well, Mary might have thought I was easy to deal with, thus causing her to be even more careless.


    Regardless of the reason, it was a relief to me.


    ¡°Hm hm hm~ Should I have a hot bath for the first time in a while?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t stop humming under my breath.


    From outside, I could hear Mary ordering the other maids around. She was probably making them handle my bath instead of doing it herself since she had the important task of checking inside my dressing table drawer.


    She must have properly ordered the maids to heat up the water, for it seemed to be slowly becoming warmer.


    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s nice.¡±


    To think it was something that could happen so quickly.


    It seemed Madame Chunet had resolutely made up her mind to block me from having a hot bath, so I was curious what expression she¡¯d have on her face later.


    ¡°And this is how you kill two birds with one stone.¡±


    Having the cake AND eating it!


    Baiting Mary AND getting a hot bath!


    ¡°Hehehehe.¡±


    I could feel my eyelashes getting heavier along with my body, which was relaxing languidly.


    Although I wanted to sleep like this, there was still something I had to do.


    Ahem. I cleared my throat before yelling loudly outside.


    ¡°Mary! Are you not finished yet?¡±


    As soon as I said that, I could hear the sounds of someone hurriedly moving outside and then Mary¡¯s response.


    ¡°I¡¯m coming now, Miss Silver Lily!¡±


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    Mhm, come quickly since I¡¯ve prepared some tasty bait for you.


    ¡°Did the water temperature rise yet?¡±


    Mary smiled brightly at me while opening the bathroom door and entering.


    ¡°Yup! I love it!¡±


    At that moment, Mary looked like a freshly-caught fish flopping its body.

 Chapter 16

    Mary attended to me throughout my entire bath.


    I honestly would¡¯ve been more comfortable if I were slowly enjoying it by myself, but I would make an exception just this once.


    If my guess was correct, I couldn¡¯t give Mary any more time alone.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily, here are the books you were looking for.¡±


    Madame Chunet, who had gone to the palace library, had returned.


    ¡°Okay, thanks, Madame Chunet. Leave them on top of the table.¡±


    ¡°Understood, but why are you suddenly taking a bath?¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to. Do I need a reason?¡±


    ¡°¡­I see. Bathing for too long is actually bad for your body, so enjoy it adequately and then get out.¡±


    It seemed she didn¡¯t like that I was comfortably enjoying my time inside of the hot water.


    I waved my hand, telling her not to worry, but Mary paled from beside me.


    ¡°H-Head Maid!¡±


    Although she quickly tried calling Madame Chunet¡¯s name, the woman¡ªwho had no knowledge of the past and present circumstances¡ªmade a suspicious expression.


    ¡°What is it, Mary?¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­ D-Don¡¯t you have something to order me separately?¡±


    Madame Chunet¡¯s expression clouded over with an air of mysteriousness.


    I intentionally interrupted with a taken aback tone, as if I was worried she might find out about something.


    ¡°Mary, what are you suddenly saying while in the middle of attending to me?¡±


    ¡°Ah, t-that¡¯s not what I meant. I was too eager to better aid you, so I¡­¡±


    ¡°Then just help me conclude things here. Like Madame Chunet said, it¡¯s not good to bathe for too long, so I¡¯m going to stop now.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡±


    I struggled hard to prevent the corner of my lips from rising as I watched Mary reply with a weak voice.


    It wasn¡¯t time yet.


    If I smiled now, the quick-witted Madame Chunet might get suspicious.


    I got up while maintaining a stone face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave to prepare for your meal, then.¡±


    Madame Chunet briefly glanced back and forth between Mary and I before leaving the bathroom with an expressionless face.


    ¡°Okay, thanks.¡±


    Now Mary was the only one left. She nervously watched Madame Chunet¡¯s shadow until it completely disappeared.


    Looking at her idiotic face made it clear that things were going according to plan.


    ¡°Mary.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing? Towel.¡±


    ¡°Ah, y-yes!¡±


    Mary had lost her wits and kept making mistakes as she continuously glanced outside.


    I, who completed my bath despite receiving such poor help, nonchalantly went and stood in front of the dressing table.


    I could hear Mary swallowing as she followed me.


    Just how nervous was she for me to be able to hear that sound from all the way over here?


    ¡°M-Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ will follow the Head Maid to go prepare for the meal.¡±


    ¡°What? What are you saying, Mary?¡±


    She must¡¯ve been really nervous.


    She was so consumed with the thought of getting away from me and finding Madame Chunet that she was unable to see what was at hand.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you need to brush my hair and help me put on my clothes? You¡¯re the one who said you wanted to closely attend to me.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡±


    Mary¡¯s expression was amusing to see.


    Her face was painted red as she bowed her head and went to pick up the hairbrush.


    ¡°Y-Yes. I was thoughtless. I apologize, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Mary. Did something happen?¡±


    ¡°Pardon? W-W-W-What do you mean? N-Nothing happened.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so taken aback? How suspicious.¡±


    ¡°No! I was just too flustered. I mean¡ªI was flustered because I got to closely attend to Your Majesty the Queen¡­¡±


    Mary, who was babbling on, now looked pitiful.


    How little nerve you have.


    She seemed scared that I¡¯d open the dressing table drawer and see what was inside.


    But what will you do? I can¡¯t not open it.


    ¡°Okay. I understand, so hurry and brush my hair.¡±


    Leaving my hair to Mary, I slowly reached for the drawer.


    I could feel Mary¡¯s hand trembling as it brushed my hair.


    Pretending to be clueless, I opened the top drawer.


    ¡°Phew¡­¡±


    A sigh of relief¡ªfrom Mary¡¯s mouth, of course, not mine¡ªwas heard since the drawer containing the necklace was the bottom-most one.


    I was starting to feel sorry for her.


    What am I supposed to do if your reactions are this honest?


    Mary was the sheltered daughter of a noble family, so she had probably never had the experience of touching someone else¡¯s possessions.


    That must have been why she was trembling like this, but¡­ oh well.


    What you¡¯d already done had already happened.


    I tilted my head like I was confused while rummaging through the open drawer.


    ¡°Hm? That¡¯s strange.¡±


    ¡°W-W-What is?¡±


    ¡°My necklace disappeared.¡±


    ¡°P-Pardon?¡±


    Mary started to panic, quickly checking the drawer.


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    Her eyes were filled with confusion.


    ¡°W-What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°There. I have a necklace that¡¯s precious to me, and I left it there.¡±


    Mary¡¯s gaze followed my finger.


    The first drawer of the dressing table was where you normally kept a variety of accessories.


    On top of the velvet cloth, there were several necklaces, earrings, and rings adorned with fancy gemstones.


    In the corner, there was a sunken and empty space where something had once been.


    ¡°I definitely checked that it was here before I went to bathe. Where did it go?¡±


    The important thing here was making sure it seemed like I was genuinely confused.


    As expected, Mary questioned me with a trembling voice, still unsure.


    ¡°W-What kind of necklace?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s purple. An amethyst necklace. It¡¯s the one I treasure the most.¡±


    ¡°Heuk!¡±


    When I spoke, Mary let out a strange sound before dropping the comb.


    I whipped around to stare at Mary as if she¡¯d surprised me.


    ¡°What is it, Mary? Do you know something?¡±


    ¡°N-No! I-I¡¯ve never even seen the necklace before!¡±


    There was a reason for the saying ¡°strong denials are strong affirmations.¡±


    Although I didn¡¯t open the lowest drawer, I was sure that Mary had taken the necklace.


    ¡°Just where did it go? It¡¯s not like necklaces have feet¡ªdon¡¯t you think, Mary?¡±


    Mary¡¯s face was white with fear.


    Why would you do something you¡¯d act so guilty about?


    * * *


    I quickly summoned all the maids, including Madame Chunet, once I was certain that Mary had stolen the necklace.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily. Why are you suddenly calling for all of the maids?¡±


    Madame Chunet must not have liked that it was I, and not her, who was calling for the maids as I pleased. She voiced her dissatisfaction with an annoyed voice.


    ¡°They all have their own tasks to do. They can¡¯t just leisurely play with you, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    The other maids weakly nodded their heads like they agreed with what Madame Chunet was saying.


    To think there were so many who wanted to be looked upon favorably by Madame Chunet.


    Although Mary¡ªthe only one who knew the entire context of the situation¡ªwas shaking her leg and sending signals to Madame Chunet asking for help, Madame Chunet just maintained a questioning and dissatisfied expression while she waited for me to speak.


    I quickly spoke nothing more and nothing less than the truth.


    ¡°My necklace disappeared. I need to confirm whether anyone knows about its whereabouts.¡±


    Madame Chunet had been about to scold me some more, but her expression suddenly changed. Her head started tilting slightly as if asking what I was talking about.


    Considering that it was very rare for her to show any emotion, this was an extremely dramatic change.


    ¡°It¡¯s an amethyst necklace with a big gemstone. Has anyone seen it?¡±


    I slowly looked down one by one at the line of maids standing in front of me.


    Obviously, they all looked clueless.


    ¡°Um¡­ Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    One of them shyly raised her hand.


    It was the maid that Mary had ordered to clean my room¡ªshe was usually quiet.


    ¡°Yes, speak.¡±


    ¡°The last time I saw it was this morning. It was in the dressing table¡¯s first drawer.¡±


    As I expected, the maid in charge of cleaning spoke the truth.


    It was at that moment.


    ¡°Lies!¡±


    Everyone turned their gaze to Mary, who roughly shouted out.


    Madame Chunet stepped closer toward Mary with a suspicious expression on her face, but I couldn¡¯t let her talk yet.


    I quickly grabbed Mary¡¯s arm and started asking an onslaught of questions.


    ¡°What do you mean, Mary? Why did you say she was lying? Do you know anything? If so, hurry and speak up! It¡¯s a truly precious necklace of mine.¡±


    ¡°T-That¡­! W-When I looked, it wasn¡¯t in the first drawer¡­¡±


    ¡°Then where was it?¡±


    ¡°T-That¡­ I don¡¯t remember. But I think¡­ it wasn¡¯t in the first drawer.¡±


    In response to Mary¡¯s words, which were withering with uncertainty, Madame Chunet and the other maids were lost in thought.


    No matter who you were, it was clear that Mary was suspicious.


    I spoke to the maids with an anxious look on my face.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ll have to check your possessions. Something that was in its place this morning has disappeared. It was definitely there before I went to take a bath, yet it was gone when I came out. I¡¯m sorry for suspecting you, but it¡¯s a situation nothing can be done about, so please take out everything you have.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes. Take out everything you have.¡±


    Once Madame Chunet joined forces with me in ordering them, the maids started taking off their outer garments one by one and removing their possessions.


    Amidst this, only Mary was trembling, unable to take off her outer garments.


    ¡°Mary, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m suspecting you. You were waiting on me as I bathed, and have constantly been with me, right?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ T-Thank you. Then¡­!¡±


    ¡°But for sake of fairness, don¡¯t you think you should take off your clothes anyway? Come on, hurry up and do it, then put your possessions here.¡±


    Mary¡¯s expression completely sank.


    The others naturally began to look at her the longer she hesitated.


    ¡°What are you doing, Mary? Hurry up.¡±


    ¡°B-But¡­¡±


    ¡°Hm, it seems it¡¯s difficult for you to remove by yourself. Can someone help Mary?¡±


    After I said that, the maid who¡¯d confessed earlier that she¡¯d seen my necklace approached.


    Mary¡¯s stubborn refusal just made her look more suspicious. Even Madame Chunet, who¡¯d removed her clothing, was watching Mary with an absurd expression.


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    A dull sound came alongside something that fell through the clothes that Mary finally took off.


    ¡°¡­My goodness!¡±


    ¡°How could this be?¡±


    ¡°Did Mary¡­?¡±


    It was a brilliant and shiny purple amethyst necklace.

 Chapter 17

    ¡°N-No! It wasn¡¯t me! I feel wronged! Head Maid!¡±


    Mary was lying down on the floor, expressing her feelings of injustice, but nobody had gazes of compassion when they looked at her.


    Her actions had been too suspicious, so it seemed like everyone was acknowledging that she was the perpetrator.


    ¡°I-I didn¡¯t steal it! Please believe me!¡±


    Tears were pouring out of her eyes as she clung onto the Head Maid¡¯s skirt, but even the Head Maid stared down at her with a cold expression.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, explain yourself. Why did Miss Silver Lily¡¯s necklace come out of your clothes?¡±


    ¡°T-That¡­!¡±


    Mary¡¯s yellow-green eyes shook in confusion.


    She would probably wonder for all of eternity why I¡¯d said that the necklace, which had been in the bottom drawer, was in the first drawer¡ªor why I, who¡¯d acted like I¡¯d wanted to hide the necklace, had gathered all the maids to try and find it.


    ¡°It seems you can¡¯t respond, Mary. I trusted you¡­ how disappointing.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­! No. It¡¯s not that! Head Maid, please¡­!¡±


    Madame Chunet¡¯s expression slowly turned more and more brutal.


    I called the guard as if I couldn¡¯t bear to keep listening.


    ¡°Guard! Please put this robber in prison.¡±


    ¡°Ack! No! This isn¡¯t right!¡±


    Mary, whose arms were both grabbed by the guard, abruptly started struggling.


    With a sharp glint in her eyes, she began yelling and bawling.


    ¡°I¡¯m not the suspicious one! It¡¯s Miss Silver Lily! Miss Silver Lily was trying to burn this necklace! I was just trying to expose her!¡±


    At those words, Madame Chunet finally reacted.


    She must¡¯ve suddenly gotten suspicious that Mary was accused as the perpetrator, so she stopped the guard.


    ¡°Wait. I need to listen to what she has to say.¡±


    The guard hesitated while looking back and forth between Madame Chunet and I, not knowing what to do.


    Although I was his master, Madame Chunet was the one with actual power.


    I clucked my tongue, as if this was absurd, and lifted Madame Chunet¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Do as she says. Let¡¯s see just what kind of nonsensical excuses she¡¯ll spout.¡±


    After saying that, I pulled out the makeup table¡¯s chair and sat down.


    Mary¡¯s eyes, which were staring at me, shined.


    She probably thought I¡¯d given her a chance to live, so I was curious just what kind of tantrum she¡¯d make when she realized it was all an illusion.


    ¡°L-Listen to me, Head Maid! Miss Silver Lily was trying to burn this necklace! Because of how suspicious it was, I wanted to show the necklace to you, so I was keeping it temporarily!¡±


    Madame Chunet¡¯s gaze shifted to me.


    I shook my head like it made no sense, then responded.


    ¡°No way. Gems don¡¯t catch on fire in the first place, doesn¡¯t everyone know that? If you wanted to make excuses, you should¡¯ve come up with a more believable one, Mary.¡±


    ¡°No! You definitely lit a match and tried to burn the necklace! Not to mention, the necklace and matches were in the bottom drawer, not the first one! Why are you lying?!¡±


    At this point, Mary wasn¡¯t even using honorifics toward me. Observing this, the Head Maid frowned.


    No matter how much of an easy master I appeared to be, I was still the Queen in name.


    Speaking recklessly like this would only increase her crimes.


    ¡°Mary. You¡¯re saying that you did indeed steal it, no?¡±


    While hammering in the last nail of Mary¡¯s crime, I crossed one leg over the other and changed my posture.


    Mary started acting out more in response to how comfortable I looked.


    ¡°W-Well, who knows! There might be some kind of mechanism on this necklace where some kind of secret gets revealed if it touches fire!¡±


    Seeing Mary shout was quite pitiful.


    Though I had been aiming for this, the way she was faithfully following my script almost made me suspect that she was on my side.


    After opening the bottom drawer and taking out the matches, I threw them and the necklace to her.


    ¡°Go ahead and try, then. Set it on fire and reveal the secret I didn¡¯t even know existed. Do as you wish.¡±


    ¡°Eek¡­!¡±


    It was her final act of struggle.


    Nibbling on her lips, Mary lit the match on fire and tried to burn the necklace.


    Obviously, nothing happened, save for the necklace heating up.


    ¡°N-No way¡­ There¡¯s no way!¡±


    The silver chain started melting onto Mary¡¯s hand.


    Regardless, she kept saying ¡°there¡¯s no way¡± while continuously lighting the matches.


    ¡°No, no, no¡­!¡±


    There was little change in Madame Chunet¡¯s expression even as she watched Mary, the maid who was once her hands and feet, getting wrecked in front of her.


    If anything, she was staring at her with more disdain than I was¡ªas if Mary was just a bug.


    Letting out a small sigh, I ordered the guard.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough, come drag her away. I want to rest.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°N-No! Aaack! Head Maid! S-Save me. Head Maid! Head Maid!¡±


    Mary kept calling for the Head Maid as she was being dragged away.


    Gosh, I¡¯m telling you, the Head Maid is not thinking about you at all.


    * * *


    The day after everything went crazy because of the theft incident in the Lily Palace, lovely chirps woke me up instead of Mary¡¯s fake voice.


    ¡°Wow. You¡¯re such lovely animals¡ªtruly the best.¡±


    Just watching them healed me, and I couldn¡¯t help but smile at the feeling that my depression was disappearing.


    ¡°I think it¡¯d be best to name you Ari. It¡¯ll be¡­¡±


    It¡¯ll be easier for Hadel to recognize it that way.


    I swallowed the rest of my sentence in silence because Madame Chunet was on the side watching me and the chicks with a very disapproving expression.


    She¡¯d probably keep wondering why I¡¯d asked her to buy me some chicks.


    It seemed like my excuse about being lonely had worked to an extent, but she didn¡¯t completely believe it yet.


    Still¡­


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    Daaaash! Dash!


    How could someone wear such an expression while watching these yellow puffballs chirp and run around?!


    What expression had Hadel had on his face before?


    When he¡¯d first seen the chicks¡­ Well, to be exact, it wasn¡¯t that he¡¯d seen them.


    Instead, since he was blind, he¡¯d heard the chick¡¯s cute cries.


    * * *


    ¡°Asha, I can hear the sound of chirping from over there.¡±


    When was it? Maybe around one year after Hadel had come to live with us.


    We were on our way back to the castle after visiting the lower village together.


    Hadel suddenly stopped walking and held onto my hand tightly.


    His gaze was aimed towards underneath the bridge that arched across the river.


    ¡°Chirping?¡±


    ¡°I think it¡¯s the sound of a bird¡­ But it¡¯s kind of different.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not sure. It¡¯s my first time hearing it.¡±


    After following the sound, we discovered some bright yellow chicks making noise.


    ¡°Their cries must be the chirps I heard.¡±


    As if fascinated, Hadel outstretched a hand and caressed the chicks.


    I took a cute baby in one hand and stroked it with my index finger.


    The soft texture was quite nice.


    ¡°Would you like to buy one?¡±


    We¡¯d only planned on looking, but the old lady who was selling them carefully asked us if we wanted to adopt them.


    Although I wanted to immediately nod my head, Mother would obviously be against it, so I couldn¡¯t bring myself to answer right away.


    ¡°Mother won¡¯t like it.¡±


    ¡°Fufufu. Then let¡¯s see, what about this one?¡±


    The old lady picked up the smallest chick, which was hiding in the corner with its head bent, before presenting it to us.


    The bright yellow chick was small enough to fit in just one of my hands, despite how young I was.


    ¡°This chick doesn¡¯t cry, so you can raise it without your mother knowing. Fufu.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t cry?¡±


    I didn¡¯t know at the time.


    Just as there were no babies who didn¡¯t cry, there was no way it wouldn¡¯t cry if it was a normal chick.


    Well, Hadel might have known, since his expression darkened and he immediately said he¡¯d buy it.


    It¡¯s not that the chick didn¡¯t cry; rather, it couldn¡¯t cry.


    ¡°¡­We¡¯ll buy it. How much is it?¡±


    The chick we¡¯d impulsively brought with us truly couldn¡¯t cry.


    Whether it was because its throat was completely wrecked, or because it was born with a disability, we didn¡¯t know. The exact cause was unclear.


    Maybe that¡¯s why Hadel was instantly attached to it.


    ¡°Asha, what should we name it?¡±


    ¡°Hm, since it¡¯s a chick, what do you think about Ari?¡±


    T/N: Chick in korean is ???, or byeongari.


    ¡°Ari. I like it.¡±


    Ari was always weak. She was a chick who got increasingly closer to death the more we touched her.


    We were young and didn¡¯t know that, so the old lady was able to easily fool us.


    The next day, when I saw Ari quietly sitting in front of the sunny glass window with her eyes closed, I almost wept.


    But I couldn¡¯t also be crying, because¡­


    ¡°Heuk, heuk, hnnnng! Heung! Waaaah! Ari, heuk, Ari!¡±


    ¡°Hadeeel¡­ Heuk. Stop crying, heuk.¡±


    ¡°Ari, heuk, Ari couldn¡¯t c-cry, so¡­ heung! Even if she was hurting all night long, heuk, we would never be able to know¡­!¡±


    ¡­Hadel was crying as if the world was collapsing.


    As a result, the Duchy was turned inside out, and Mother lectured us.


    ¡°Animals are not something you can simply buy on the side of the street. From now on, only buy things from approved merchants¡ªand if you see a merchant selling small animals on the streets, report it to a guard. Those are all illegal businesses.¡±


    Just like that, we buried Ari in the courtyard.


    Hadel kept crying next to me as I shoveled the ground, buried Ari, and covered the grave with dirt. He kept crying even when we fell asleep that night.


    He¡¯d already turned eight years old, but there was no crybaby like him¡ªdespite him having only known Ari for one day.


    * * *


    ¡°My little Aris, you have to grow up and become big, okay?¡±


    Daaaash!


    Whether they knew my feelings or not, Ari 1 and Ari 2 moved toward the top of my feet.


    Oh yeah, when had I last fed them?


    ¡°Madame Chunet. When did you give them food? If you haven¡¯t yet, can you get some for me?¡±


    While watching the Aris, I regulated my smile before calling for Madame Chunet.


    For some reason, there was no response.


    ¡°Madame Chunet? Why aren¡¯t you res¡­¡±


    I finally took my gaze off of the yellow fluffballs and turned my head, but Madame Chunet¡ªthe target of my question¡ªwas not there.


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    Instead, there was someone with black hair and beautiful pink eyes that were shaking like crazy¡­


    ¡°Your¡­ Majesty.¡±


    It was Hadel, the husband who I¡¯d missed so much.


    Starry: i wasn¡¯t expecting the angsty baby chick lore omg {//3 i hope it helps hadel to finally gain some brain cells tho so this dang miscommunication can be cleared


    Youj: hadel!!!!! open your eyes!!!!!

 Chapter 18

    [Wait until the Emperor tries to kill the Silver Lily.]


    Rahu gazed toward the inside of the Lily Palace.


    The yellow chicks the Silver Lily had brought in because she was lonely were cutely chirping away.


    It was quite nice, watching them look for their mother as they moved their short little legs.


    At the end of the chicks¡¯ march, there was always a pale girl wearing a sorrowful smile.


    Although the window was closed, he could hear her voice when he listened carefully.


    ¡°Let¡¯s name you Ari.¡±


    Ari?


    It must be from byeong-ari.


    TL/N: Chick in Korean is byeong-ari.


    It was simple yet intuitive.


    As he¡¯d thought, she was quite innocent and naive.


    After Rahu made that short judgment, he started observing the pale girl once more.


    Because he was tasked with doing so, he¡¯d been observing the Silver Lily every day since she¡¯d come to the palace.


    ¡°Haa. When will¡­¡±


    Ah, it was that facial expression again.


    The pale girl made that sorrowful expression several times a day.


    She was lost in thought while staring into the far distance.


    Tears would occasionally fall from her eyes, and whenever they did, Rahu would be taken aback and not know what to do.


    Even from afar, it was difficult for him to watch a lady¡ªa very beautiful and pure one, at that¡ªcrying.


    The girl, who¡¯d been staring at the chicks with a sad expression for a long time, finally spoke with a calm voice.


    ¡°My little Aris, you have to grow up and become big, okay?¡±


    ¡®You have to grow up and become big, okay?¡¯


    From that one phrase, Rahu understood.


    That woman was aware she was just Duke Valkirino¡¯s chess piece, which was why she was wishing for the chicks, at the very least, to survive.


    At this, Rahu decided.


    If this poor woman died, he would save the chicks¡¯ lives even if he couldn¡¯t save her life due to his leader¡¯s command.


    ¡­Was that really the case, though?


    Did a woman who nobody knew really have to die?


    Rahu was swept up in agony once more, before abruptly freezing.


    He stopped his thoughts immediately and jumped to the highest part of the palace to hide his presence.


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty the Emperor.¡±


    He could see the maids who¡¯d been sweeping the garden rush to bow their heads.


    The black-haired Emperor had suddenly arrived, his eyes turbulent.


    Why did he keep coming to the feeble woman¡¯s dwelling with such brutal energy?


    If he didn¡¯t like her, couldn¡¯t he just not come at all?


    The Emperor beelined to the bedroom without responding to the maids.


    Rahu¡¯s yellow eyes contained the gradually-disappearing Emperor¡¯s back as he slowly became hidden by the buildings.


    He disapproved of him.


    As expected, emperors were people he truly did not like.


    * * *


    ¡°Your¡­ Majesty.¡±


    The chicks must have been excited to see a new person, for they started chirping even louder.


    He simply looked down and wordlessly watched me play with the chicks.


    I didn¡¯t know how to start the conversation, so I just opened and closed my mouth before realizing that I shouldn¡¯t be wasting time like this. I composed myself.


    ¡°I greet Your Majesty.¡±


    I grabbed the hems of my dress and slightly lifted them, then bent my waist to curtsy.


    When I lifted my head and made eye contact with Hadel, he was still looking back and forth between me and the chicks me with a disturbed expression.


    One of the chicks dashed towards Hadel¡¯s feet and flapped its wings.


    Hadel froze while watching the endlessly small and cute entity rubbing its face onto his feet.


    Mm. This might actually be an opportunity.


    I¡¯d brought these chicks here to use them like this anyway¡ªI didn¡¯t know I¡¯d use them immediately, though.


    I carefully lifted one of the chicks playing at my feet and held it in my arms.


    ¡°The Lily Palace was lonely, so I made them get me two chicks from a chicken farm.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°Mm, is it perhaps not allowed to raise animals in the palace?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    Oh my goodness.


    He seems to be pretty shocked.


    Hadel remained silent.


    He just kept staring back and forth in confusion from Ari 1, who was sitting on my hand, and Ari 2, who was chirping and waddling near his feet.


    ¡°I even named them. The baby acting all cute by Your Majesty¡¯s feet is ¡®Ari.¡¯ Do you want to try calling its name?¡±


    ¡°¡­!¡±


    Hadel¡¯s pink eyes widened an unbelievable amount.


    Ah, was that too shocking? Maybe I should¡¯ve taken it a bit slower.


    Many thoughts came to mind, but it was already too late.


    It would be strange to stop now.


    ¡°Try holding it, Your Majesty. Its soft texture is quite nice.¡±


    With my index finger, I gently caressed the head of the chick which was sitting on my hand.


    Hadel¡¯s forehead slightly wrinkled as he watched, but he didn¡¯t make any more gestures or say anything.


    I opened my mouth, smiling a bit wider.


    ¡°Since we brought strong ones from the chicken farm, they won¡¯t die just from touching them a little.¡±


    Hadel¡¯s body started trembling.


    I slowly approached Hadel, who had frozen in place.


    Chirp! Chirp!


    The chick which had been staying by Hadel¡¯s foot dashed toward me.


    I took it and lifted it into my arms alongside the other one.


    ¡°Ari, your vocal cords are pretty strong, huh? What a relief.¡±


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    I continued speaking while rubbing Ari¡¯s chin.


    ¡°The chick I raised in the past had some kind of problem, so it couldn¡¯t make a sound. I¡¯m happy that, luckily, this Ari can cry¡ªKyaa!¡±


    A strong wind suddenly blew in front of me. The moment I wondered what kind of wind it was, my breathing stopped.


    I could feel something cold on my neck.


    Under my chin, there was a sword aimed at me, as if it was ready to pierce my skin at any given moment.


    The chicks in my hands must have been startled, for they started flapping their wings.


    While being careful not to drop them, I stared into Hadel¡¯s pink eyes.


    He was lost in chaos¡ªno, he was angry.


    At what? At whom?


    Breathing roughly, he spoke like he was forcing his voice out.


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°¡­Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Who are you? What relations do you have with the de Ach family? How¡­¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but become tense.


    Even if he brought up Ashella, I could cover my tracks to a certain extent. For example, if Madame Chunet and Duke Valkirino interrogated me about something, I could just say I heard it from the de Ach Viscounty.


    However, that depended on what was about to come out of Hadel¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Haa¡­ No. Me wanting to know about you so badly is probably your goal.¡±


    ¡­But Hadel didn¡¯t ask any more questions.


    I opened my mouth to speak.


    ¡°Your Majesty, this chick¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    Before I could finish speaking, I felt a sting join the cold feeling on my neck. Shortly after, I felt warm blood drip down my throat.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to die, don¡¯t let me hear you say another word or breath.¡±


    Hadel sounded like he was crying, despite the fact that he spoke quietly.


    To me, your furious face makes you seem like you¡¯re sobbing, Hadel.


    There was a momentary standoff, then silence.


    Hadel twisted the corner of his lips and contorted his signature deep pink eyes.


    ¡°You can try to struggle. Even if you do, the fact that you¡¯re a fake doesn¡¯t change.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t breathe.


    Knowing that my Hadel could now make this kind of expression was heart-wrenchingly painful.


    Hadel had always been naive, warm, and kind.


    Shing.


    The sword that¡¯d left a wound on my neck quietly returned to its sheathe.


    As if there was nothing more to see here, Hadel turned his body.


    ¡°But you¡¯ll need to take responsibility for what you¡¯ve done.¡±


    Only his icy last words lingered in the place where he once was.


    Once even the strong scent of Hadel by my nose disappeared, I collapsed onto the floor.


    The reason people called Hadel a crazy tyrant¡­


    Now I thought I knew why.


    * * *


    Time passed by quickly.


    Hadel didn¡¯t come looking for me again after that¡ªhe was probably very confused. Should I wait a bit more? Or should I take the initiative and act first?


    While I was having all sorts of concerns, one week flew by.


    Could Hadel really¡­ kill me if I made a mistake?


    The answer to that final question was ¡°no.¡±


    Even if he couldn¡¯t recognize me as Ashella, Hadel wouldn¡¯t be able to kill me. I could sense it. I was almost certain about this.


    If he could kill me, he would¡¯ve slit my throat last week instead of saying such harsh remarks with those sad eyes.


    ¡°Let¡¯s move. I have to move.¡±


    Mumbling this to myself several times to harden my resolve, I put down the teacup I¡¯d been drinking from and stood up.


    ¡°Madame Chunet.¡±


    Madame Chunet, who was standing by the door and doing some work, stared at me with her signature blank face.


    ¡°I think I¡¯ve been indoors too much. I feel rather suffocated and want to go outside.¡±


    ¡°Would you like to go to the garden?¡±


    ¡°Hm. I¡¯ve seen the garden every day, so I¡¯m tired of it. You won¡¯t even let me plant flowers under the excuse of not having enough funds.¡±


    ¡°¡­It¡¯s not an excuse. It¡¯s the truth, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, okay, okay. Anyway, what¡¯s important is that there¡¯s nothing to see in the Lily Palace.¡±


    Madame Chunet subtly knitted her eyebrows.


    It was like she was saying ¡°what do you want to do, then?¡± with her expression.


    I smiled widely as if it was a trivial matter before responding.


    ¡°The central garden! I heard about how pretty it is from a maid. I want to take a walk outside of the Lily Palace.¡±


    Madame Chunet didn¡¯t respond.


    She simply stared at me.


    I felt annoyed by her gaze, which seemed like it was looking into my soul.


    ¡°Madame Chunet. Am I a criminal?¡±


    ¡°¡­No.¡±


    ¡°Am I a maid?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What is my identity within the palace?¡±


    After a brief moment of silence, she slowly responded.


    ¡°¡­The Queen.¡±


    As if there was nothing more to hear, I got my shawl myself.


    ¡°Nobody can stop me from wandering inside the Imperial Palace, then.¡±


    With an unwilling expression, Madame Chunet didn¡¯t budge from her place.


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    ¡°You must be busy. I can go by myself, so you can stay if you want.¡±


    Although I spoke lightly while leaving the bedroom, it was enough to crack through Madame Chunet¡¯s blank face.


    She, whose job was to constantly watch me all day long, would have to follow me even if she didn¡¯t want to.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m the Head Maid, so of course, I have to follow you.¡±


    Madame Chunet followed after me with a blank mask once again as if her expression had never cracked at all.

 Chapter 19

    ¡°Wow, it must be because it¡¯s the Imperial Palace, but the garden is so pretty.¡±


    Even though it was winter, there were flowers of varying colors.


    Not only was it well maintained, but it was also filled with winter season flowers that were known to be expensive and rare.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    I was in the midst of looking around, but Madame Chunet kept calling me with a brusque voice.


    It was dripping with a tone that meant that I had to leave now, but pretending not to notice, I changed the topic.


    ¡°Madame Chunet! Look at this. I should ask them to plant this at the Lily Palace garden too.¡±


    It was a fancy flower that had a mixture of dark pink and white.


    After approaching and smelling it, I realized it didn¡¯t have any scent.


    ¡°So it¡¯s a flower without a scent.¡±


    ¡°Most flowers that bloom in the winter do not have a scent. Although you may not know since you didn¡¯t learn, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    Ah. It seemed like Madame Chunet was in a considerably bad mood.


    How else would she be able to say such words that so blatantly looked down on me?


    ¡°Well, I didn¡¯t learn anything about flowers at the Duchy. What¡¯s the name of this flower?¡±


    I wanted to pluck one out, but I held in the urge.


    The gardener must have worked hard to cultivate these flowers, so if I plucked one out, an empty space would appear.


    Not to mention, flowers were also living entities¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s a Latuillis. Miss Silver Lily, we really need to go back to the Lily Palace now.¡±


    It seemed like she couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore, for Madame Chunet said it outrightly.


    As if feeling sad, I looked at the sky.


    Well, it was true that I was sad, but my true goal was to estimate the time.


    The sun was sinking down.


    Soon, the sun would set.


    ¡°Understood. But before that, I just want to visit one place.¡±


    ¡°¡­Where do you want to go now?¡±


    ¡°Just one place. It¡¯s not far.¡±


    Seeing as Madame Chunet was on the verge of dragging me away, I sped up my footsteps.


    Once I passed by the garden¡¯s thicket and turned inwards, it revealed a huge lake.


    The water was shining as it reflected the sun¡¯s light, creating quite a memorable image of the lake.


    ¡°How is it? Pretty, right?¡±


    If you looked at it one way, it seemed scarlet, another way, red, and yet another, pink.


    The sky, filled with the sun setting, and the lake were parted as if a watercolour, painted on a canvas.


    Yes, just like Hadel¡¯s pretty and shiny eyes.


    Back when they seemed scarlet, and at other times red, and yet at other times, pink.


    ¡°How did you know about this place?¡±


    ¡°I heard the maids talking. That there was a lake deep inside of the garden that only royalty could enter, and that it was truly beautiful. That¡¯s why I really wanted to come.¡±


    Madame Chunet did not ask any more questions.


    Although I truly did not like the fact that I had to watch such a beautiful scene with Madame Chunet and not Hadel, it was fine.


    Since Hadel would soon come to this place.


    Well, it wasn¡¯t that I was completely sure.


    It had been mere coincidence that I¡¯d found out that the Emperor liked to go to the lake deep inside of the Imperial palace¡¯s gardens.


    Although I had no certainty whether it was even true that he liked going there, when I came and saw it with my own eyes, I felt it instinctively.


    That Hadel would definitely come.


    That he definitely liked this place.


    ¡°Madame Chunet, do you like drawings?¡±


    At my random question, she blinked, before shaking her head.


    ¡°What a shame. I like them.¡±


    After saying that, I plopped down onto the dirt and picked up a twig that was lying on the ground.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily! Just what are you doing¡­!¡±


    ¡°Since I saw such a beautiful scene, I should draw it.¡±


    To be honest, my drawing talent was shit.


    I had such a shit hand that if I drew a rabbit, it looked like a dog, and if I drew a dog, it seemed like a cat, and if I drew a cat, it looked like an elephant.


    But I still had to draw.


    Since Hadel would come soon.


    And there was something I had to write down at all costs.


    In the middle of my hard work drawing, Madame Chunet approached as if she could stand this no longer.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even that you¡¯re drawing the lake, just what kind of scribbles are you¡­ Anyway, it¡¯s truly late now. If you¡¯ve seen enough, let¡¯s return, Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    The sun had almost completely set.


    I couldn¡¯t delay it any longer.


    The best scenario was Hadel coming out and bumping into me.


    But today might not have been the day.


    It was a shame, but it seemed like I would have to be satisfied enough by just leaving this picture behind.


    And right when I was turning my body.


    ¡°¡­Huu.¡±


    It was a faint smell that tickled the ends of my nose.


    I slowly took a deep breath in.


    As expected, it was a familiar scent, causing the tips of lips to go up automatically.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily.¡±


    Madame Chunet kept calling me, but I ignored her and cleared my throat.


    Ahem.


    It had been so long since I¡¯d sung it that I was unsure if I could get the right note¡­


    But it was a song I¡¯d sung almost every night for several years, so I was confident.


    I took a deep breath.


    After holding my breath, I slowly breathed out before starting to sing one note at a time, retrieved from deep within my memories.


    The lullaby I¡¯d sung every night for Hadel, who suffered from nightmares.


    The song I¡¯d altered the lyrics for, just for Hadel.


    Although it wasn¡¯t the kind of song you¡¯d sing at a lake, the calming melody somehow seemed to fit the atmosphere well.


    Madame Chunet was probably dawning a very confused expression from behind me.


    She would probably think it strange and wonder why I was suddenly singing.


    But nobody would know.


    No matter how much you investigate, I doubt you¡¯d find anything.


    This is Hadel and I¡¯s¡­


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    And right when in the middle of my thoughts, I heard someone¡¯s presence from behind me.


    I pretended I didn¡¯t hear it and kept singing.


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty.¡±


    In the end, Madame Chunet bowed down on the floor in panic, but I didn¡¯t stop singing.


    So that I could sing just one more verse, or one more note, and let Hadel hear it.


    Until I finished singing, Hadel simply watched.


    He didn¡¯t speak a word, nor did he take out his sword.


    All he did was watch.


    When the short yet long song ended, I turned toward Hadel slowly, before bowing my head.


    ¡°I greet Your Majesty the Emperor.¡±


    I could see Hadel¡¯s pink eyes shaking like crazy.


    Then, his face suddenly contorted threateningly.


    His brutal voice followed.


    ¡°¡­Who are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the Silver Lily, Your Majesty. I came here after hearing that it was beautiful, but did not realize I would bother Your Majesty¡¯s rest¡­ I apologize.¡±


    At my simple words, Hadel scoffed, before taking a step closer to me.


    ¡°You and I should both know that that¡¯s not what I¡¯m asking.¡±


    Although I knew, I couldn¡¯t speak the truth. Instead, I simply tilted my head.


    ¡°What do you mean? This girl truly does not know, Your Majesty the Emperor.¡±


    With slightly exaggerated movements, I held the hems of my dress with both hands before bowing my head.


    As this was a movement only done during formal greetings, Madame Chunet¡¯s face distorted, but Hadel¡¯s face actually started shaking more.


    [This girl truly does not know, Your Highness the Prince.]


    This was a joke that I often did with Hadel.


    [Asha. I like it better when you call me Hadel, not Your Highness the Prince.]


    [Ay, we¡¯re just playing! Hadel, since you¡¯re in the role of the Prince, I¡¯m calling you Your Highness the Prince.]


    This was a game that was more fun because Hadel was actually a prince.


    Although he was now His Majesty the Emperor, rather than His Highness the Prince.


    This was a definite signal between the two of us.


    ¡°Just what¡­¡±


    Sure enough, Hadel glared at me sharply with an expression that seemed like he might collapse right this moment.


    It was a face that seemed like he wanted to say something but didn¡¯t know what.


    It felt like if I said anything more, Madame Chunet would get suspicious.


    I quickly bowed and gave my farewell greetings quickly.


    ¡°You told me not to say another word, so I apologize for making Your Majesty uncomfortable again. Then I¡¯ll take my leave now, so please enjoy your rest.¡±


    While I left the lakeside like that, Hadel stood like a frozen statue and didn¡¯t do anything.


    He could definitely grab me if he wanted, but he would probably be busy floundering about within confusion for a while.


    And once his emotions settled down a bit, he would probably see them.


    The pictures I¡¯d left behind.


    Now, the dice had been thrown.


    All that was left was to wait for the results.


    Tonight would probably be a very long night.


    * * *


    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    Taimon entered the spot that the Silver Lily had left.


    His master was dawning an expression that was rare to see for some reason.


    It was an expression filled with something other than the usual sadness, anger, despair, or forlornness.


    Watching his master, who had a complicated face that was difficult to summarize in one word, Taimon took a step closer.


    ¡°Did¡­ something happen?¡±


    The Emperor didn¡¯t respond.


    Instead, he bowed his head and kept staring at the dirt.


    ¡°This¡­?¡±


    Taimon¡¯s gaze followed the Emperor¡¯s to the dirt.


    Something was drawn with a skill that one could tell was coarse at a glance.


    It was so messy that one could even consider it as a scribble.


    ¡°Taimon, what do you think this looks like to you?¡±


    But why was it that his master was staring at these scribbles with a fairly serious expression?


    Since he was suddenly asking him, he had no choice but to look at it closely.


    ¡°Um. It¡­ looks like an animal.¡±


    It had ears as well as something that looked like eyes, nose, and lips. Since it had a tail, it should be an animal.


    ¡°What kind of animal?¡±


    That was a difficult question.


    Although it was so badly drawn that it was difficult to tell, the Emperor was asking stubbornly.


    ¡°This¡­ seems like a dog. This one¡­ a cat? Um. The last one is really hard to tell. Since it has big ears, an elephant¡­?¡±


    Even as he spoke, Taimon kept tilting his head side to side.


    It was weird all around.


    Unsure, he glanced at his master, but he, also, had a hardened expression.


    As expected, it wasn¡¯t just difficult for me.


    Feeling strangely comforted, he started nodding, but a shocking remark came out of his master¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°You got it all wrong.¡±


    ¡°Paaaardon? Wait, then what does it look like to you, Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°A rabbit, a dog, and¡­ a cat.¡±


    Just what new type of bullying was this¡­ No, no.


    Rather than that, Taimon was starting to get seriously worried about his master¡¯s mental state.


    ¡°Wait, how is this a rabbit, dog, and cat? Especially the last one, it definitely doesn¡¯t look like a cat.¡±


    Despite Taimon¡¯s surprise, the Emperor spoke no more words.


    The problem wasn¡¯t what these animals were.


    It was the method of drawing them. And even the habit of getting it wrong at the same places each time.


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    Everything was the exact same. It was too similar.


    Even the messy round dots that were drawn in front of the animals.


    At a glance, it seemed like a decoration.


    But Hadel knew.


    This was a language.

 Chapter 20

    Shortly after returning to the Lily Palace, I collapsed on my bed.


    I was exhausted.


    Although I wanted to close my eyes and fall asleep, I couldn¡¯t.


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily. What should we do about dinner?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry¡­¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll bring up the chef¡¯s recommendations.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Madame Chunet ordered the lower maids.


    My body felt so heavy, and I desperately wanted to sleep.


    Was it because I hadn¡¯t had any time to relax since I¡¯d entered the palace?


    No¡­ I couldn¡¯t blame it all on the palace. It¡¯d been a whirlwind as soon as my memories had returned.


    I¡¯d been on my own as I¡¯d tried to adjust and find my family again.


    Not to mention the final move I¡¯d made today, which would determine victory or defeat.


    ¡°Please¡­¡±


    I believed.


    I believed that if it was Hadel, he would recognize my message.


    * * *


    ¡°Hadel, do you want to learn the alphabet too?¡±


    The year we turned thirteen, Hadel and I began getting tutored.


    Although we both worked hard, there was still a huge wall between us.


    It was the alphabet.


    Having been blind since birth, he was unable to learn how to read and write.


    I couldn¡¯t teach him even if I wanted to.


    Despite our best efforts, he never managed to properly learn and was filled with despair instead.


    ¡°The alphabet¡­?¡±


    Hadel smiled awkwardly at my words, as if it were difficult for him.


    He must¡¯ve already attempted numerous times but ultimately failed.


    It was then that I received a burst of inspiration from the finger signs we¡¯d used when I was sick.


    ¡°I just thought of another way by using your sense of touch!¡±


    ¡°Touch?¡±


    ¡°Yeah! Just like the finger signs, can¡¯t we make an alphabet based on touch?¡±


    Although I spoke enthusiastically, Hadel simply blinked without responding.


    Grabbing Hadel¡¯s hand, I outstretched his palm.


    ¡°Okay, look. Like this. Poke, poke. What do you think? You can feel it, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I can.¡±


    ¡°We can make dots and create an alphabet with it. Let¡¯s use a needle to poke holes in a paper.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯ll be a lot of letters¡­ Can we really make them all?¡±


    ¡°Of course! Let¡¯s try it together, Hadel. Once we make all of it, I¡¯ll write you a letter using them, and then you can send me a response!¡±


    ¡°R-Really¡­?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡±


    Hadel smiled brightly with excitement.


    ¡­


    Although it was easy to say, it actually took a lot of time and effort to create a writing system.


    But with our continued efforts, we succeeded in making several words out of dots.


    Although it wasn¡¯t possible to create more complicated sentences, we had enough to hold basic conversations.


    ¡°Wait, Asha, I can read this¡­! It says ¡®Asha,¡¯ right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right! And this means ¡®Hadel,¡¯ your name!¡±


    ¡°Wow¡­! It¡¯s still pretty hard, but I¡¯ll work hard to memorize it. Then, I¡¯ll write you a letter every day, Asha!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait, Hadel!¡±


    And that was the story of how Hadel and I started using braille.


    It was our own secret language nobody would ever find out about.


    * * *


    ¡°Your Majesty, where are you going?¡±


    Taimon approached from behind.


    There was a long silence as Hadel stared at the markings drawn on the dirt. Without replying, he turned and hurriedly headed towards the thicket with a confused Taimon in tow.


    {Propose. Dwarf flowers.}


    That was what the markings, or rather the dots, on the dirt said.


    They were three words that, to a stranger, would be meaningless, but to Hadel, triggered an immediate response.


    Those were the flowers he¡¯d given Asha on the day he¡¯d proposed.


    Beautiful flowers that had a mix of Asha¡¯s silver eyes and his pink eyes¡ª those dwarf flowers were actually called latuillis.


    Hadel rushed towards the latuillis and then stood motionless, as if in thought.


    Even though he knew, rationally, that it was most likely part of the Silver Lily and Duke Valkirino¡¯s plot, he couldn¡¯t help but feel shaken.


    Normally, he would¡¯ve ignored it.


    He would¡¯ve demanded answers as to where they¡¯d learned about this.


    He would¡¯ve had her head rolling so that no one could ruffle his feathers any longer.


    But¡­ how could they possibly have known this?


    Though one side of his heart steeled, the other side began beating uncontrollably.


    Only he and Asha would know about those dots.


    ¡°Dwarf. Dwarf¡­!¡±


    Hadel frantically dove into the flowers.


    Whenever Asha saw small flowers, she¡¯d call them dwarf flowers.


    That meant¡­


    That meant that there might be something hidden in the smaller latuillises¡­!


    Even though he was aware of how he¡¯d come off as a fool, he bent over and searched among the flowers.


    Taimon asked once more, and again, received no response.


    And soon after, he found it.


    A small paper concealed under the small petals.


    His hands trembled as he unrolled the tightly wrapped paper ¨C hiding letters in flowers was something he¡¯d done with Asha as well.


    Once he learned how to use those dots to read and write letters for Asha, they¡¯d used flowers as a mailbox.


    So this made no sense.


    Something like this¡­ was impossible.


    How was it that that woman kept reminding him of the memories he¡¯d had with Asha?


    How¡­?!


    The unrolled paper, at a glance, had nothing written on it.


    There were only small holes pierced into it.


    Hadel slowly placed his fingers on the paper and went over it.


    The bumpy holes followed a particular pattern.


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    It was braille from Asha, who he¡¯d never thought he¡¯d see again.


    {Hadel. I¡¯m alive. I¡¯m being watched, so I need a place where the two of us can talk alone. I¡¯ll wait for you, just like on the night of my coming-of-age. ¨CYour Asha.}


    The night of her coming-of-age.


    The day he¡¯d heard that she was coming of age, he couldn¡¯t sleep together with Asha.


    Although they parted ways to separate rooms, he¡¯d ended up missing Asha so much, he¡¯d snuck into her room.


    ¡°Your Majesty¡­?¡±


    Hadel had crumpled the paper.


    At the same time, his expression faltered and he collapsed.


    Taimon worriedly called out to him, as this was the first time he¡¯d ever seen the Emperor in this odd state. But still, he received no reply.


    Instead, Hadel smoothed his face with the palm of his hand, breathing deeply.


    ¡°Please¡­¡±


    From Hadel¡¯s lips, a broken voice trickled out.


    It was a voice desperate and heartrending.


    * * *


    Rahu had been full of distress lately.


    Despite being given orders from his master, Duke Valkirino, he did not want to follow them.


    Was it because he pitied the innocent girl who lived in the grasp of the Emperor, not knowing when she would be killed?


    Regardless, these kinds of thoughts were unnecessary.


    They were never a good sign.


    ¡°Haa¡­ dammit.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but think about the girl who had just been in a good mood because of a walk.


    As well as the sight of her trembling in fear after meeting that bastard tyrant Emperor.


    She was a tenderhearted girl who would tearfully stare at the sky all day long. Then, she would play with the chicks whenever she got bored.


    Although he felt an unidentifiable emotion building up, he shook his head.


    He was a person who had no right to think badly of the Emperor.


    Since he, too, was waiting for the moment that woman died for the opportunity to attack the Emperor.


    But if the Emperor didn¡¯t kill her, once that time came, he¡¯d¡­


    ¡°Haa.¡±


    He was so pathetic and trash-like.


    Harming a frail, innocent girl was not something a warrior of the Ru Tribe did.


    Was this really the right path for them?


    The Ru Tribe had received extreme discrimination after they were occupied by the Empire.


    Although the fact that they looked very distinct from the Empire¡¯s citizens played a big role, due to there being no laws protecting them, they were always susceptible to kidnapping and acts of violence.


    That was why the children of the Ru Tribe couldn¡¯t wander around freely, since nobody knew when or where they could be kidnapped and sold as a slave.


    But Duke Valkirino was continuously making efforts to save the tribe members.


    The Duke had promised that once this got properly resolved, he would liberate everyone and give them protection.


    ¡°Haa¡­¡±


    Lost in thought, Rahu shook his head, his stare burning holes into the ground, and sighed once again.


    Then suddenly.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    A gust of wind flew past.


    Spring was soon approaching, so strong bursts of winds were odd.


    Something felt off.


    He quickly looked inside the bedroom. The lights were off, and it was silent.


    There was a blanket covering the woman and she was in deep sleep.


    Was it just the wind?


    Rahu hopped back onto the tree and jumped to the roof of the palace.


    The glaring moonlight seemed to be more brilliant than usual.


    * * *


    Quite a lot of time passed after night fell.


    It was still as cold as ever, so I made sure to hug the blankets close.


    Since I was closing my eyes, it felt like sleep was weighing down on me, but I used all the strength I had to endure.


    I mustn¡¯t fall asleep.


    He would definitely come.


    If it was Hadel, he definitely would.


    How much time had passed?


    I didn¡¯t notice when the door opened, but I felt someone¡¯s presence next to me.


    The room was deafeningly silent as Hadel and I met eyes.


    My goodness, Hadel. It seems you¡¯ve gotten even more skilled.


    I really didn¡¯t hear anything.


    Neither of us spoke, but I could see it.


    Your eyes, which had become swollen.


    The ends of your nose, which had been smudged red.


    I slowly reached out to Hadel and his trembling hand covered my own.


    But then¡ª


    everything turned upside down.


    ¡°!¡±


    I barely managed to hold in my scream.


    In Hadel¡¯s arms, I could only hold onto his collar.


    Since he was moving so fast, I couldn¡¯t properly open my eyes.


    Where were we going?


    My ear, which was pressed against Hadel¡¯s chest, could hear it thumping pleasantly.


    Badump.


    Badump.


    Badump badump.


    In a flash, we left the Lily Palace and arrived at the abandoned pavilion that was located in the outermost corner of the palace.


    Hadel carefully let me down.


    And then, we silently stared at each other for a long time.


    Although Hadel¡¯s lips twitched several times, he didn¡¯t say anything.


    What should I say?


    Although I imagined our reunion countless times, I never thought it¡¯d be a secret meeting at an abandoned pavilion.


    But there was something I wanted to tell you as soon as I met you.


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    ¡°Hadel.¡±


    To call your name¡­


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡­and apologize for forgetting you for 10 years.


    At my whisper, Hadel¡¯s pink eyes began trembling.

 Chapter 21

    At those words, he composed himself and sneered.


    ¡°Well done. It was shockingly similar.¡±


    Those cold words stabbed straight through my heart.


    It wasn¡¯t unexpected. He had believed that I was dead for many years, and for me to suddenly appear in front of him¡­


    Hadel¡¯s expression twisted as he spat out his next words.


    ¡°She¡¯s dead. That¡¯s why there¡¯s no way you¡¯re Asha.¡±


    ¡°¡­Hadel.¡±


    ¡°Shut up! Someone like you¡­ How dare you speak that name with those lips?¡±


    Hadel took out his sword and pointed it at me.


    I had no idea how many times he¡¯d pointed a sword at me after I¡¯d come here.


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared at all. You told me you¡¯d protect me with that sword.¡±


    I slowly put my hand on top of Hadel¡¯s pointed sword.


    As I did that, Hadel¡¯s flinched visibly, before taking a step back.


    He must¡¯ve been angry at the fact that he¡¯d startled, for he hardened his expression and started pushing me.


    ¡°Speak. I was going to just ignore it and let it pass, but you crossed the line. I can¡¯t let this go any longer. Where did you learn about all of this? Who taught you this?¡±


    Hadel was trembling.


    His sword, which had always been so straight, was faintly shaking.


    I took another step towards Hadel.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t die, Hadel. Look at me. I¡¯m alive like this.¡±


    Bypassing Hadel¡¯s outstretched sword, I got a little bit closer, and looked at him in the eye.


    Despite the grave atmosphere and the fact that his expression was changing by the second, I could feel myself about to smile.


    Since the mere fact that I was standing across from you made me so happy.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the reason you brought me here because you thought that I was Ashella?¡±


    ¡°¡­You said you were being monitored. That¡¯s why I¡¯m humoring you, so I could hear what you had to say. There¡¯s no other reason.¡±


    ¡°Lies.¡±


    At my immediate response, Hadel frowned, as if uncomfortable.


    ¡°Your habit of raising your left eyebrow when you lie is still the same.¡±


    What should I do now?


    What should I say to Hadel?


    My own head was this complicated; how much more confusing would it be for him?


    That¡¯s why I understood. Why he was denying it like this.


    ¡°It¡¯s a relief that you can see well now. What do you think? Is my face as you imagined it?¡±


    A cloud veiled the moon, which had been shining its light on us.


    Within the darkness, I put my hand atop Hadel¡¯s.


    His cold hand was still trembling.


    Hadel could not shake my hand off.


    All he did was stare at me endlessly.


    I continued to speak amidst the deep darkness in which we could barely see each other.


    ¡°Listen. How¡¯s my voice? And the feeling of my hand?¡±


    At each of my words, Hadel¡¯s hand flinched.


    Although he didn¡¯t reply, his trembling got worse.


    Then, the moon showed itself once more.


    ¡°¡­Why.¡±


    He was dawning the saddest expression in the world.


    ¡°If you¡¯re truly Asha, then why did you¡­ throw me away until now?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t throw you away.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come to find me? Why, why, why?!¡±


    ¡°¡­Hadel.¡±


    ¡°I kept waiting. Thinking you must be alive somewhere. I looked and looked again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°I found you. You, Asha, after you were completely burned away¡­ I found you.¡±


    Hadel¡¯s voice was watery.


    My vision was slowly starting to get blurry too.


    ¡°Was that truly me? Did you check properly? How did you confirm it was me without even knowing how I looked?¡±


    Hadel had not been able to see my face.


    I¡¯d heard that when the entirety of the de Ach Duchy had burned to the ground, there wasn¡¯t even a single portrait of me left.


    ¡°Your necklace. You were wearing the blue necklace I had sent you as soon as I arrived at the palace.¡±


    ¡°Ah, that.¡±


    I¡¯d thrown it after being chased by bandits.


    Thinking they were chasing after me because of the necklace, I¡¯d thrown it far, but none of them changed their direction toward the necklace.


    As if their original target had always been me.


    They paid no mind to the necklace.


    ¡°Hm¡­ I lost it while running away. What you saw wasn¡¯t me, Hadel.¡±


    I told him the truth for the time being, deciding to tell him the specifics later.


    And Hadel no longer asked any questions.


    ¡°It makes no sense. There¡¯s no way. There¡¯s no way.¡±


    Instead, he kept blinking and repeating his words like someone who¡¯d lost it.


    ¡°It¡¯s definitely a trap. This is Valkirino¡¯s plan to make me go crazy¡­¡±


    It seemed like Hadel¡¯s contorted eyes would have tears dripping from them soon.


    ¡°Why is it that your voice sounds like Asha¡¯s? Why does Asha¡¯s scent come from you? How do you know the things that only Asha and I know¡­?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m Ashella.¡±


    ¡°Ha¡­ Haha. I must have truly gone crazy. That¡¯s what¡¯s happened. In the end, I¡¯ve truly gone crazy. Asha, while looking for you, I¡­¡±


    Hadel, staring at me sorrowfully from underneath the moonlight, was now speaking in a completely different voice than before.


    ¡°Hadel. You¡¯re not crazy. Look, touch me. You often touched my face with your hands, wondering how I looked.¡±


    At my words, Hadel started slowly reaching out, as if bewitched by something.


    This time it wasn¡¯t to threaten me as all the previous times had been.


    His fingers approached me with caution, brushing my silver hair to the side before gently grasping at it.


    The hair fell softly through his fingers.


    He gently grasped at it once more, before they fluttered down.


    He repeated these actions several times, before carefully bending over.


    And as soon as his lips touched my hair.


    Drip.


    At the same time, one of the clear tears that had welled up in his eyes dropped onto my silver hair.


    Hadel, who was frozen in place for a few seconds, then put his hands on my cheeks.


    He gently grabbed my cheeks, which had become cold in the chilly wind, before letting them go, and repeated this, before moving on to my nose.


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    Then, my forehead.


    Then, my two eyes.


    And lastly, my soft lips¡­


    Uncontrollable tremors accompanied his fingers as they landed ever so slowly.


    As if he was a child who didn¡¯t want to let go of an illusion that would soon disappear.


    ¡°Hadel.¡±


    Because seeing him like that was so worrisome, I slowly called him by his pet name once more.


    His hands, which had been touching my face here and there as if touching a precious treasure, froze.


    Drip.


    ¡°Darling¡­?¡±


    Drip. Drop.


    ¡°Real¡­ R-Really¡­?¡±


    His pink eyes were crumpled.


    His tears, which welled up without stopping, dripped down his white cheek before falling just like that.


    He kept crying like that, without a sound.


    Just look at this crybaby.


    Who could look at him and call him a crazy tyrant when he was such a tender-hearted child?


    ¡°Yeah, yeah. It¡¯s really me. So stop crying.¡±


    As I brushed Hadel¡¯s black hair, it seemed like more tears were pouring down.


    His pouring tears seemed like a broken faucet.


    ¡°Gosh, this crybaby. Come here.¡±


    Holding out my arms, I hugged Hadel, who could do nothing but cry, to my chest.


    Although he¡¯d gotten much bigger than me, so it was almost as if I was the one being hugged now.


    ¡°Heeeeeuk. Asha, Asha¡­!¡±


    A familiar temperature.


    A familiar scent.


    And even familiar sobs.


    Only then did I realize that I¡¯d truly returned.


    My other half, whom I¡¯d had no recollection of for ten years, was finally by my side. I was finally whole again.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m back.¡±


    My anxiety, which had been tightly rolled up until now, finally let go.


    How had I lived while forgetting about someone like you until now?


    How had I lived ten years without you, who completed me like this?


    ¡°Asha. Asha¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Hadel. You missed me, right? You waited a long time, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, yeah. I really. Really¡­ Heuk. Heuuuk. Asha! Why! Just why! H-Heuk¡­! Why now!¡±


    The weeping Hadel seemed just like a young child.


    Hadel, who had endured it until now and had not cried at all, cried so clumsily while pouring out all of his emotions.


    Seeing him like this was so deeply saddening, and it made my heart ache so much that I continuously wiped Hadel¡¯s dripping tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I forgot about you for ten years. I lost my memories. I couldn¡¯t remember anything. Not even who I was.¡±


    Hadel wrapped his arms around me even tighter.


    I could feel his heart pounding even more strongly.


    Hearing how it had started racing even faster than earlier, my heartbeat, as well, began to speed up.


    ¡°Asha, my beloved Asha. My Asha. Asha¡­ Is it really you? Are you really Asha?¡±


    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s really me, Hadel. Your wife.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a dream? This isn¡¯t a dream, right? It¡¯s really you in front of me?¡± Hadel asked me repeatedly.


    He kept confirming.


    Whether I was really Asha.


    And each time, I responded.


    ¡°Yeah, Hadel. The person in front of you is really me. Your Asha.¡±


    ¡°I thought you were dead. I just thought you were dead. That¡¯s why I¡­¡±


    ¡°You dummy. How could you live like you were crazy for ten years because of that? Even after you¡¯d become Emperor.¡±


    I knocked Hadel¡¯s forehead with my own.


    Along with this light tap, our gazes met.


    ¡°Asha. I tried to die. Because there was no point living in a world without you. Regardless of whether I was the Emperor or not. I didn¡¯t need any of it.¡±


    ¡°¡­Yeah. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°But now I need it. I thought to myself, ¡®I¡¯m glad I¡¯m the Emperor.¡¯¡±


    ¡°Hm? Why?¡±


    For some reason, I felt a wave of anxiety.


    Hadel¡¯s pink eyes glowed with determination.


    Wait. Whenever he made up his mind like this, some kind of accident¡­


    ¡°Now I can get a simple revenge for those who tried to kill you, Asha.¡±


    ¡°¡­Huh?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill them all, Asha.¡±


    Huh? Wait. You¡¯ll kill them all?


    But he wasn¡¯t originally someone who spoke such harsh words, was he?


    He was a crybaby who was extremely shy¡­ and¡­ kind?


    Well, of course, he had shown a few dangerous sides to me until now.


    Aiming a sword at me, trying to choke me, sneering at me, and saying harsh words to me¡­?


    Wait, now that I thought about it, it wasn¡¯t just a few.


    Regardless, Hadel had originally been a very soft-hearted kid.


    Thinking I had died, he could have acted and spoken in a crooked manner, but now, he should go back to normal.


    ¡°W-Wait, Hadel. What are you-¡±


    I couldn¡¯t finish what I was saying.


    Hadel, who grinned at me, came closer and pecked me on my lips.


    A warm and soft feeling.


    A feeling I¡¯d missed like crazy.


    Ah, whatever.


    Now that I¡¯d found my baby, it was okay.


    I closed my eyes and wrapped my arms around Hadel¡¯s neck.


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    I could taste a sweet yet salty flavor permeating through my lips.


    Gosh, I told you not to cry.


    The time that had engulfed us had finally started to flow once more.


    tl & qc: youj; pr: maple


    youj: FINALLYYYYYYYYYYY!!!! i¡¯ve been waiting for this :¡¯)

 Chapter 22

    ¡°Asha,¡± Hadel whispered into my ear. Giggling to myself at the sound of his sweet voice, which I hadn¡¯t heard in so long, I replied drowsily.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I want to get closer to you.¡±


    Um¡­ Okay.


    That¡¯s what I wanted to say, but I couldn¡¯t respond right away.


    Because we were already extremely close to each other.


    Hadel was sitting next to me, leaving absolutely no space between us, hugging me to him.


    ¡°How can we get even closer than this?¡±


    ¡°¡­Come up here.¡±


    The place Hadel was pointing to was his lap.


    Seeing how he was blushing as he said that, I couldn¡¯t help but think of old times.


    ¡°Gosh, my Hadel, you¡¯re still as cute as ever.¡±


    Ruffling Hadel¡¯s hair, I naturally climbed into his lap.


    He must¡¯ve been satisfied, for he chuckled while burying his face into my hair.


    ¡°Asha. I¡¯m so happy.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, me too¡­ But I think we have to go back soon.¡±


    ¡°¡­Can¡¯t we just go back to my palace like this?¡±


    ¡°Whaaat? I came out secretly. The people at Lily Palace will probably get surprised and make a huge fuss tomorrow morning.¡±


    And then it would be reported to Duke Valkirino right away.


    Then they would question me, asking what had happened, and the quick and sneaky Duke might even find out.


    That I was Ashella de Ach.


    ¡°So what? Asha, you should come into your role now. I can¡¯t let you be in the position of a mere queen. I want to announce that you¡¯re alive immediately tomorrow, and proclaim you Empress.¡±


    ¡°Did you not hear what I said earlier? My parents, Ari, and Eru are all being held in the South. If we just act recklessly¡­¡±


    ¡°Should we head to the South right now?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°We can go to the South immediately and I¡¯ll protect them. I really got stronger, Asha. I can now protect everything.¡±


    ¡°Wait, what¡­¡±


    How could he say that so easily?


    And how would we go there in one day?


    I couldn¡¯t even imagine what kind of chaos Duke Valkirino would cause if he found out that we¡¯d left the palace.


    ¡°If Duke Valkirino hears that you and I disappeared, he¡¯ll hide my family immediately.¡±


    ¡°¡­As expected, I should¡¯ve killed that guy earlier.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Who? Wait, do you mean Duke Valkirino?¡±


    ¡°¡­Anyway. Does that mean that we just have to get rid of Duke Valkirino to solve everything?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ yes¡­?¡±


    Even as I responded, I was filled with strange anxiety and felt myself begin to sweat.


    Hadel looked at me and smiled his signature soft smile.


    I couldn¡¯t take this. I had to definitely hammer in the nail.


    I grabbed each of Hadel¡¯s cheeks and looked into his eyes.


    ¡°Hadel. There¡¯s still a lot I haven¡¯t been able to tell you yet. And a lot I want to ask. Although I won¡¯t be able to say it all now, because we don¡¯t have that much time¡­¡±


    I could see my reflection in Hadel¡¯s pink eyes. Unlike before, his pink eyes had a clear focus in them, which made my chest ache.


    ¡°I definitely want to get revenge. And I don¡¯t want you to be called a tyrant in that process.¡±


    ¡°¡­Asha. The fastest method is to just get rid of them all.¡±


    ¡°You¡ªReally! Why have you been saying such bad words like you¡¯ll ¡®get rid of¡¯ or ¡®kill¡¯ them since earlier!¡±


    I smacked Hadel¡¯s forehead with my own.


    As I did so, like a deflated bean sprout, Hadel¡¯s eyebrows went down in unison.


    ¡°Okay. I did wrong. Don¡¯t get mad, Asha.¡±


    He said this, and I felt the arms holding me tighten.


    Ah, gosh. If he showed me such a pitiful appearance, I couldn¡¯t even say anything to him.


    And with such a pretty face, at that.


    This was really cheating.


    ¡°¡­I¡¯m not getting angry. It¡¯s just because you keep saying such ill-fitting things. How can someone as weak-hearted as you ever kill someone?¡±


    Although many people said that the Emperor was a tyrant, one who would go into a frenzy and kill anyone who got on his bad side, the Hadel I knew was definitely not a person who could do that.


    It was impossible with Hadel¡¯s tender personality. To easily hurt someone, that was.


    Of course, it did seem like his words had gotten a little harsher during the ten years he¡¯d suffered without me.


    ¡°You can¡¯t continue saying such bad things, Hadel!¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay. Sorry.¡±


    ¡°Huhu. Good boy.¡±


    Even though I¡¯d only done it weakly, I felt bad for hitting his forehead, so I gently patted it.


    As if listening to what I¡¯d said, Hadel closed his eyes and remained silent.


    ¡°Anyway! I want to deal with things through the law. I want to let everyone know that the de Ach family has been wrongfully accused. I want to be with you while receiving everyone¡¯s congratulations.¡±


    ¡°¡­If we want that, we need evidence.¡±


    ¡°Yes. So that¡¯s why¡­¡±


    I paused my words and briefly hesitated, because it felt like no matter what I said, Hadel would get angry.


    No. Hadel had never gotten angry at me before.


    So, he wouldn¡¯t get angry, but¡­ he would probably just get very sulky.


    Who knew, he might even cry again.


    Was this really the best method?


    Was this the only path to take?


    ¡°Asha?¡±


    Lost in my thoughts, Hadel took my hair in his hands and repeatedly called my name.


    His pink eyes were filled with concern.


    ¡°Asha, you¡¯re frowning.¡±


    ¡°¡­For now, let¡¯s go back to the palace. Come get me again tomorrow night, Hadel.¡±


    After thinking and thinking for that brief moment, in the end, I decided to put off the discussion until later.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to be apart from you any longer, Asha.¡±


    Hadel looked down forlornly, his eyelashes lowering with each blink of his eyes.


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    Ah. My resolve was getting weaker.


    Hardening my squishy, melting heart, I grabbed Hadel¡¯s cheeks and pulled on them.


    ¡°You can¡¯t look at me like that either. We can just see each other again tomorrow night. Got it? Let¡¯s talk in more detail then.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Okay.


    I needed to use a stronger method.


    ¡°Hadel. Look at that tree over there.¡±


    I pointed at a tall tree to our right. As Hadel¡¯s face turned naturally, I aimed my lips toward the white cheek that approached me.


    Peck!


    With a nimble sound, my lips briefly touched and then receded.


    At the same moment, Hadel¡¯s body froze stiffly.


    His gaze was still aimed toward the tree on the right.


    Confused at his lack of reaction, I called his name.


    ¡°Hadel?¡±


    As I watched him, still like a stone, I saw his ears slowly becoming redder and redder.


    Then, like a kettle that had water boiling inside, his whole face started reddening.


    What the¡ªHe was frozen because he was too embarrassed?


    ¡°Look at me, Hadel.¡±


    ¡°U-Uh¡­ Huh?¡±


    I grabbed Hadel¡¯s cheeks and forcefully turned him to look into my eyes.


    As soon as his eyes met mine, he flinched in surprise and shifted his gaze elsewhere.


    ¡°Pfft. Why are you acting like that, Hadel? Even though you kissed me first earlier.¡±


    ¡°Huh? No, no. N-No, huh? Huhhhh? No, so¡­ I-It¡¯s just been so long¡­ A-And a cheek kiss feels, um, different¡­ A-And Asha doing it first is also¡­¡±


    Nice. Success.


    Since he was so out of it, I could say anything and he¡¯d okay it.


    ¡°You¡¯ll come again tomorrow night, right?¡±


    ¡°Huh, huh? Yeah! Yeah! Of course!¡±


    ¡°Then take me back to the Lily Palace quickly. If it¡¯s any later, we might get caught.¡±


    ¡°R-Right now? Can¡¯t¡­ we stay for a bit longer?¡±


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t kiss you tomorrow!¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay. Let¡¯s hurry and go.¡±


    After he spoke, my body felt like it was floating, catching me by surprise.


    We were going so fast that I couldn¡¯t tell what anything was, other than the sensation that we were parting the wind.


    Wow, what did this child eat for him to be this fast?


    * * *


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily. Wake up.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡­ Just a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°Miss Silver Lily. It¡¯s time to wake up.¡±


    Arghh. I was exhausted.


    My eyes felt so heavy, but the Head Maid kept waking me up.


    Not to mention how her trademark dry and hard voice, repeating the same words, made me feel neurotic.


    ¡°Ahhh! Okay! I¡¯m getting up! I¡¯ll get up, okay?¡±


    When my closed eyelashes finally lifted, I could see the Head Maid looking down at me with an expressionless face.


    ¡°¡­What time is it for you to be waking me up like this?¡±


    Looking out the window, the birds were flying and the sun was still low in the sky.


    It didn¡¯t seem to be that late.


    ¡°It¡¯s seven in the morning, Miss Silver Lily. Waking up past seven in the morning in the Imperial Palace is something that cannot happen, and¡­¡±


    While staring at me frankly, the Head Maid went on with her criticisms. However, I had no intention of listening to her.


    ¡°Madame Chunet. I simply asked what time it was. I never asked you to nag me.¡±


    I cut off her words firmly. The Head Maid looked at me with her signature blank face before bowing her head.


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    Even as the Head Maid said she understood, she didn¡¯t look apologetic or repentant at all. Seeing how her features almost never changed, it was as if she wasn¡¯t a normal person.


    Argh. What good was thinking about Duke Valkirino¡¯s people? Every one of his people was weird anyway.


    Shaking these thoughts aside, I cleared my throat.


    ¡°Anyway, Madame Chunet. Don¡¯t you think the air is a bit dry today?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, I can¡¯t tell.¡±


    ¡°Is that so? Can you open the window?¡±


    At my request, the Head Maid wordlessly opened the window. I could feel a refreshing and cool breeze waft in. The blue sky was perfect for putting out laundry.


    Although, since I was no longer a maid for Count Tremain, there would be no reason for me to do laundry with my own hands again. But since I¡¯d worked as a maid for ten years, when I saw a bright day like this, I was reminded of laundry.


    ¡°Huuuu.¡±


    Closing my eyes, I breathed in deeply. The early spring morning wind was cold, but at the same time refreshing.


    I could smell the scent of morning dew and grass tickling the ends of my nose.


    After I breathed in deeper, my nose started itching.


    ¡°¡­Achoo!¡±


    In the end, I sneezed. After sneezing once, I sneezed again several times.


    ¡°Achoo! A-A-Achoo!¡±


    Argh, what was with me?


    ¡°Cough! Cough, cough!¡±


    To make things worse, I started coughing.


    The fact that my throat had felt dry turned out to be because of an oncoming cold.


    It might have been because I had been outside for such a long time last night wearing thin clothes.


    Since neither he nor I could bear to be apart from each other at the time.


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    ¡°Achoo! O-Oh no. Madame Chunet, close the win¡­ Achoo! Sniff!¡±


    Madame Chunet stared at me with a distasteful face before slowly closing the window.


    Why did this woman keep looking down on me, when she was my Head Maid?


    I considered saying something to her but held it in. Now was not the time.


    Not to mention, I couldn¡¯t stop thinking of Hadel since yesterday. So no matter what kind of bad things I heard right now, it couldn¡¯t ruin my mood.

 Chapter 23

    Coming to work the last few days had been terrifying for Taimon.


    He¡¯d never even dreamt that becoming the Emperor¡¯s shadow guard would be such an extreme job.


    Of course, the Emperor had been a little, no, maybe half crazy, but he hadn¡¯t been completely crazy.


    ¡°Taimon.¡±


    At Hadel¡¯s voice calling his name, Taimon couldn¡¯t help but flinch; a guilty conscience truly needed no accuser.


    He¡¯d been inwardly talking down to the Emperor, so had he perhaps gotten caught?


    A million thoughts flooded through his brain as Taimon showed himself in front of the Emperor.


    ¡°Please give your command, Your Majesty.¡±


    Taimon spoke to Hadel with slight anxiousness. However, for some reason, he didn¡¯t speak.


    When he lifted his head and looked at his master¡¯s face, Taimon couldn¡¯t repress his inward astonishment.


    ¡®What¡¯s with his expression?¡¯


    His lips were relaxed in a smile, and his eyes were half in a trance.


    Not to mention, his gaze was aimed toward somewhere in the air.


    As if he was someone with a screw loose.


    Hadel, who¡¯d surprised Taimon, continued staring off into the air before finally speaking.


    ¡°Am I cute?¡±


    ¡°¡­Pardon?¡±


    Taimon¡¯s eyes and ears started churning ferociously.


    What was this? Just what? Was this a new type of torture?


    If not, a test? Was this some kind of test?!


    Or perhaps¡­?!


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty! Have you been poisoned?¡±


    There was no doubt. He¡¯d definitely been poisoned by a dangerous substance that had caused him to lose his mind.


    Otherwise, these symptoms could not be explained.


    Surprised, Taimon approached Hadel and hurriedly checked his state.


    Hadel stared at Taimon¡¯s behavior in disbelief before pulling away.


    ¡°Taimon, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re in good condition these days. What do you think about getting a check-up from a doctor?¡±


    ¡°¡­Pardon?¡±


    ¡°It seems like you haven¡¯t been understanding what I¡¯ve been saying since earlier. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°No¡­ That.¡±


    Taimon felt wronged. He didn¡¯t know what exactly was going on, but he felt wronged.


    He felt so wronged and angered that he wanted to jump out of the window and into a waterfall right this instant.


    However, Hadel didn¡¯t even give Taimon a chance to express his resentment.


    His face hardened as if his one-screw-loose expression from earlier had never existed.


    ¡°Anyway, Taimon, if I¡­ happened to completely exterminate the Valkirino Duchy, what would happen?¡±


    ¡°¡­Why are you suddenly¡­ being like this?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, suddenly? We have been collecting evidence to catch Valkirino for a long time.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ true. So are you saying you want to move up your plans?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m considering it.¡±


    Taimon¡¯s eyes and ears became restless once more.


    Taking him aback with such a ridiculous question earlier, and now making him use his brain by asking him a political question.


    This had to be some kind of test.


    Although he wasn¡¯t sure what for.


    ¡°Even if we get rid of Valkirino, the other nobles won¡¯t just stand still.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. Then what if I crush all of the other nobles too?¡±


    ¡°¡­You¡¯ll be recorded in history as the greatest tyrant.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m already renowned as a tyrant. It doesn¡¯t mat¡ª Ah.¡±


    Suddenly, Ashella¡¯s face came to Hadel¡¯s mind.


    ¡°It does matter. There¡¯s a precious person that I definitely cannot soil.¡±


    If Hadel¡¯s name was left in history as the greatest tyrant, then Ashella, who would become his Empress, would not be able to retain a good image.


    Even though he did not care about himself, he couldn¡¯t let his precious wife be remembered like that.


    ¡°Hoo¡­ In the end, I can¡¯t use the quickest method.¡±


    Taimon swallowed, watching as Hadel sighed deeply.


    He couldn¡¯t figure out why the Emperor was asking these questions, or what kind of answers he wanted.


    Taimon was perplexed, unsure of what to do, when Hadel suddenly started grinning to himself with a sweet smile.


    ¡®My goodness, my word. His Majesty has finally gone crazy. It¡¯s definite that he¡¯s gone crazy!¡¯


    Hadel alternated between smiling and wearing a solemn expression, completely unaware that Taimon¡¯s face was progressively growing haggard.


    * * *


    ¡°Madame Chunet, I think today is even colder¡­ Can you really not make the fire any bigger?¡±


    ¡°¡­This is all of the firewood allocated to the Lily Palace.¡±


    ¡°Ahh, I see. How irksome.¡±


    My body was shivering from the cold. My throat had been a bit dry in the morning, and since afternoon my condition had rapidly worsened.


    Although I kept drinking hot tea, it only provided a momentary respite.


    Soon after, my body would feel cold again.


    To make matters worse, my head was beginning to hurt.


    ¡°Then do you have any headache or cold medicine?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send a message to the doctor. However, since it¡¯s already late at night, there might not be anyone but the Imperial Doctor who examines His Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Please, just check. I don¡¯t feel well.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    The Head Maid inclined her head before leaving the bedroom with quiet steps.


    With the only other person in the room gone, the temperature in the room seemed to drop even further.


    ¡°Ahh, it¡¯s so cold.¡±


    It seemed I¡¯d caught a proper cold.


    Hadel was supposed to come to get me tonight.


    If the Head Maid didn¡¯t bring a doctor or some medicine, there would be trouble, since Hadel made an incredible fuss if I was ever sick in the distant past.


    ¡°I¡¯m sleepy¡­¡±


    Was it because I hadn¡¯t slept properly last night?


    All I had done was lie down and pull the blanket over myself, but I could feel my eyelids getting heavier.


    It didn¡¯t seem like the Head Maid, who had left the room, would be coming back any time soon.


    ¡°Mmm. Hadel¡­¡±


    My eyelashes kept descending. My body continued trembling and shaking.


    My head hurt, my nose was congested, and my throat ached.


    Now that I thought about it, when I was young, Hadel¡­


    Unable to continue my line of thought, I slowly faded out of consciousness as the darkness covered me.


    * * *


    Hadel was in a good mood today.


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    Even more so as dinner approached, and night came closer.


    And right when the long-awaited nighttime finally came¡­


    ¡°Taimon, don¡¯t look for me.¡±


    ¡°Pardon? Your Majesty, where are you¡­?!¡±


    Watching the window where the Emperor had disappeared through, Taimon could do nothing but blink.


    Hiding in the shadows, Hadel entered the Lily Palace.


    The building was already asleep, so it was dark inside.


    Avoiding the eyes of the maids and the attendants, he entered her room at a rapid pace before taking in the sweet scent of Asha.


    ¡®Asha¡¯s smell.¡¯


    Hadel closed his eyes for a second and breathed it in, then slowly approached the bed.


    He could see the silver hair that was spread here and there atop the blanket.


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    And the sound of slow breaths.


    Asha was breathing softly, her silver eyes hidden underneath her eyelashes.


    ¡®¡­Wow.¡¯


    Long, silver eyelashes.


    Cheeks that looked even paler in the moonlight shining upon them.


    A round face containing all of her delicate features.


    If anyone asked him who the most beautiful woman in the world was, Hadel would be able to answer without hesitation.


    That it was Ashella de Ach.


    His wife.


    His wife was the most beautiful woman in existence.


    Hadel suddenly felt the urge to shout these words to the world.


    To think he¡¯d been unable to see his pretty Asha until now.


    How cute and beautiful would her development from a girl to a lady have been?


    ¡®My Asha.¡¯


    Hadel slowly sat at Asha¡¯s head.


    He held his breath and carefully touched her cheek, to avoid waking her up.


    The touch was soft like silk.


    And right when this blissful feeling was about to bring a smile to his face.


    Hadel felt something strange and lowered his hand to Asha¡¯s neck.


    ¡°What the?¡±


    It was hot.


    Why was it so hot?


    Was a human¡¯s temperature supposed to be this hot?


    ¡°Ugh¡­¡±


    It must have been because he had grabbed her so suddenly, for Asha rustled and frowned.


    With a grave expression, he pressed at Asha¡¯s forehead.


    It, too, was smoldering.


    ¡°Cough¡­ Cough, cough!¡±


    And she was even coughing!


    Grimacing as if in pain, she coughed a few more times, before rolling over to her side.


    Although Asha¡¯s sweet scent wafted over to him as she moved, Hadel¡¯s look was so intimidating it seemed as if he would destroy the whole palace immediately.


    To think nobody was watching over her when she was burning up this much.


    Not to mention, why was the air of the palace so cold?


    Hadel¡¯s pink eyes lowered, bleakness within.


    After watching down as Asha frowned and panted heavily in her sleep, Hadel silently slipped out of the Lily Palace.


    * * *


    Rahu had been lying down on the Lily Palace rooftop and admiring the stars.


    It seemed like the sky was clearer than usual today.


    The shining white stars were quite beautiful.


    ¡°That woman¡­ is quite dazzling too.¡±


    As if his brain was wrapped in silver light, the brilliantly shining woman was always on his mind.


    The woman who would die soon.


    Now that he thought about it, her body¡¯s condition had not seemed to be good this morning.


    And just earlier it had seemed particularly bad, but it appeared that she was sleeping well now.


    Closing his eyes, Rahu heightened his senses.


    He could hear the sound of her even breaths.


    ¡°Hm? What¡¯s this?¡±


    And he felt something else there.


    It seemed like a person, yet not at the same time¡­


    And right as he got down from the roof to check what it was.


    Swaaaaa.


    A strong wind blew.


    The wind was so severe that it blew his hair into his face, obscuring his vision.


    By the time he fixed his hair, the feeling of something else had disappeared.


    ¡°Was it¡­ my mistake?¡±


    Rahu slightly tilted his head.


    Not just yesterday, but today too, a strong wind kept blowing. Something made him feel uneasy.


    His senses must have become addled after only watching and not moving his body properly for a while.


    Rahu rolled his feet lightly before jumping back onto the roof.


    ¡®What the? Someone¡¯s¡­ coming?¡¯


    He could see someone walking into the Lily Palace entrance.


    Watching the man walk with a sharp stride while accompanied by numerous attendants, Rahu¡¯s jaw dropped.


    ¡®What¡¯s the Emperor doing here in the middle of the night?¡¯


    The Emperor¡¯s energy was unusual, too.


    It was incredibly chaotic, and it seemed as if he was very angry.


    ¡®Perhaps¡­!¡¯


    Was it time?


    Rahu clenched and released the sheathe on his waistband over and over again.


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    Would it be the wellbeing of the Ru Tribe, or an innocent woman?


    He had a gut feeling.


    That perhaps, tonight, a moment where he would make a once-in-a-lifetime decision would come.


    But he had no idea that his decision would result in him digging a deep hole in the ground.


    tl & qc: youj; pr: aila

 Chapter 24

    ¡°Y-Your Majesty! Your Majesty!¡±


    Derrell, who had advanced to the position of the Emperor¡¯s direct Grand Chamberlain three months ago, was worried about hair loss these days.


    Surprisingly enough, he was only 20 years old, but he had started to lose hair.


    It was because of the scary Emperor that he served.


    ¡°P-Please go slowly, Your Majesty!¡±


    The Emperor had emerged from the Sun Palace in the middle of the night, looking as if he was about to slice someone up.


    As he¡¯d bowed his head in fright, the Emperor had said ¡°I¡¯m going to Lily Palace. Everyone follow me.¡± Even though they were stunned and taken aback, the attendants had no choice but to follow.


    He had no idea what the reason was. But Derrell was sure about one thing.


    That Queen Silver Lily had definitely done something wrong.


    If not, there was no explaining the Emperor¡¯s turbulent behavior.


    Even when he begged for him to slow down, the Emperor simply went forward.


    His Majesty charged forth with his long legs, making it difficult for Derrell to keep up, even running.


    That¡¯s how they arrived at Lily Palace so quickly, and Derrell caught his breath, preparing himself to announce the Emperor¡¯s arrival.


    However, the Emperor did not wait any longer and went right in.


    ¡°Your Majesty!¡±


    In the end, Derrell couldn¡¯t catch his breath and hurriedly followed the Emperor inside the castle.


    Due to all of the Sun Palace¡¯s attendants following behind him, it ended up becoming a long parade of people.


    Hadel, who had entered the Lily Palace, even ignored all of the maids¡¯ startled greetings.


    Even though the Head Maid kneeled and greeted him, he didn¡¯t spare a glance, and just directly entered the bedroom.


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty. The Silver Lily is sleepi¡­¡±


    ¡°Move aside if you don¡¯t want to die.¡±


    At Hadel¡¯s icy words, the Head Maid closed her mouth.


    Then, the Lily Palace bedroom doors opened.


    Due to Hadel¡¯s noisy entrance, Asha was blinking herself awake.


    At the sight of her slow blinks and hazy silver eyes, Hadel emitted a low groan.


    It was because she dawned an obviously haggard face.


    * * *


    ¡°What¡¯s going¡­ Y-Your Majesty?¡±


    At that moment, I almost called him Hadel, but managed to stop myself and bolted up.


    I must¡¯ve dreamed about something, for my whole body was damp with sweat.


    However, what was even more flustering than that was the serious expression on Hadel¡¯s face as he looked down at me, and the line of Sun Palace attendants standing behind him.


    ¡°W-What¡­¡±


    Since I¡¯d just woken up, I couldn¡¯t grasp what the situation at hand was.


    I blinked a few times, before getting down from the bed.


    Since all of the maids and attendants were watching, I had to greet the Emperor.


    ¡°¡­Ah.¡±


    However, the moment my feet touched the ground, I could feel my vision flicker and my limbs give out.


    I couldn¡¯t stop my body from swaying to the side and staggering.


    As I watched the floor getting closer, I reflexively shut my eyes, but what I felt was actually Hadel¡¯s body, which was sturdy and secure.


    Not to mention, Hadel¡¯s familiar body scent, which flooded toward me.


    And his arm, which firmly grasped my waist.


    I opened my eyes and stared up at Hadel.


    What the.


    Why was his expression so dark?


    ¡°¡­Your Majesty. What is it, so late at night?¡±


    I¡¯d definitely told him to come to meet me tonight.


    However, I hadn¡¯t meant for him to come with all of the attendants following him like this?


    Hadel¡¯s expression softened slightly as he placed his hand on my forehead, as if he sensed how flustered I was.


    But for some reason, his face crumpled up once more¡­ Uh, um. What was with him?


    ¡°Since when?¡±


    ¡°¡­Pardon?¡±


    ¡°Since when was the condition of your body this bad?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fin-¡±


    ¡°Head Maid.¡±


    I tried to tell him I was fine, but Hadel cut off my words and called the Head Maid.


    His expression and voice were so cold, that I¡¯d believe it if someone had said he was a different person.


    Why was he so mad?


    Was it because of me again?


    ¡°The Silver Lily¡¯s condition is this bad, so why is the palace this cold?¡±


    ¡°¡­Your Majesty, that¡¯s because-¡±


    ¡°And what about the doctor? Did you give her medicine?¡±


    Before the Head Maid could even finish speaking, Hadel kept pouring questions.


    At his sharp approach, the Head Maid couldn¡¯t give a proper reply, and just kept her head bowed.


    ¡°I apologize, Your Majesty. I think Miss Silver Lily has caught a light col-¡±


    ¡°A light cold?¡±


    Surprised, I looked back up at Hadel.


    It was because of the icy tone of his voice.


    ¡°A light cold.¡±


    Hadel¡¯s pink eyes looked particularly red today.


    ¡°It appears that even though you were aware she had a cold, you were unaware the palace was this cold.¡±


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty. That¡¯s because¡­¡±


    At Hadel¡¯s interrogation, the Head Maid uncharacteristically stuttered. It was my first time seeing her this taken aback.


    ¡°There should be an allocated budget for the Lily Palace.¡±


    The Head Maid did not reply.


    Hadel started asking questions even more sharply.


    ¡°Bring the ledger right away. And you.¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes!¡±


    ¡°Bring the Imperial Doctor immediately.¡±


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    ¡°U-Understood!¡±


    Hadel summoned the Head Chamberlain, who darted off, his face turning blue.


    Ah, gosh. If he suddenly took care of me like this, Duke Valkirino would definitely suspect something.


    I grabbed and pulled on the hems of Hadel¡¯s clothes so that no one could see.


    Darling, calm down.


    Hadel must have felt my pull, for he turned his gaze toward me.


    His pink eyes were full of worry.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, Your Majesty.¡±


    So don¡¯t get upset.


    I smiled at Hadel as I shouted the latter words through my eyes.


    Then, for some reason, Hadel lifted me up and laid me down on the bed.


    ¡°Your Majesty?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve called for the Imperial Doctor, so just wait a bit. I think it¡¯d be best if you closed your eyes if possible.¡±


    ¡°Why close my¡­¡±


    Why close my eyes? Was what I was trying to say, when Hadel¡¯s big hand came and covered my face.


    This was not just a case of closing my eyes, but of covering my entire face.


    During that time, the Head Maid had brought the Lily Palace ledgers and had prostrated herself on the ground in front of him, offering them.


    I heard the sound of the ledger being unrolled, and then a short silence fell.


    Ah, Hadel¡¯s hand. How warm. His hand on me made me slowly feel sleepy.


    What would I do, feeling this sleepy when the situation was this serious¡­?


    Before I could drift off into dreamland, I heard Hadel¡¯s low voice ringing through the room, slightly waking me up.


    ¡°The allocated budget is 10,000,000 Gelles. But even if you add up all of the money spent in the ledger, it doesn¡¯t go over 1,000,000 Gelles.¡±


    Wow. So there had been 10,000,000 Gelles allocated to the Lily Palace per month?


    She¡¯d kept on denying me things, saying there wasn¡¯t any budget for it in the past.


    I was feeling surprised on the inside, but Hadel¡¯s voice was slowly getting more menacing.


    ¡°Where did it all go?¡±


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯d be best to say it while I¡¯m still speaking nicely.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t let this go on any longer.


    I grabbed the wrist of Hadel, who was still covering my face, and pulled it away.


    Everyone¡¯s gazes turned toward me.


    Laughing awkwardly, I sat up from bed.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I¡¯ll confirm the rest.¡±


    ¡°¡­Didn¡¯t I tell you to lie down?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Lily Palace is my palace, so I¡¯ll take care of it. So Your Majesty, you can go back¡­¡±


    Bang!


    And when I was in the middle of my sentence.


    I heard a slamming sound near the entrance, and the fluttering sound of something falling.


    Wondering what it was, I took a peek, and saw a person who appeared to be the Imperial Doctor lying on the ground next to the Grand Chamberlain.


    Not to mention that the Grand Chamberlain¡¯s entire body was trembling, his mouth wide open, giving the impression that he was in even worse condition than me.


    ¡°What are you doing? Tch. If you¡¯ve arrived, Imperial Doctor, hurry and look over the Silver Lily.¡±


    At such a foolish sight, Hadel tutted his tongue, as if he was used to it, before moving aside so the Imperial Doctor could approach me.


    With a pale and haggard face, he half-crawled to me, before reaching out his hand.


    ¡°U-Uh, Miss Silver Lily. P-P-Pl-Please g-give me y-your wrist¡­ Eeeek!¡±


    Why was he stuttering so much?


    Was this Imperial Doctor really someone you could trust?


    To make matters worse, before he could even finish speaking, he froze in shock and shrunk away.


    Wondering what I should do, I stared at Hadel.


    He was looking at the Imperial Doctor, and when he felt my gaze, he grabbed my hand.


    ¡°If you need to feel her pulse, then just accurately touch and measure this finger, right on top of the pulse.¡±


    Then, he pulled my wrist toward the Imperial Doctor.


    Wait, was it really necessary to limit all contact like this?


    I stared up at Hadel with a dumbfounded expression.


    The way his right eyebrow was slightly higher than the other was the exact expression that came out when he was feeling jealous.


    ¡­It was definite that he was acting like this because he didn¡¯t like the fact that the Imperial Doctor would touch my hand.


    ¡°I-I-I apologize! T-Then this unworthy vessel will f-feel for the pulse¡­!¡±


    I think people in this palace all had the habit of stuttering their words.


    In the end, I had my pulse taken with my hand atop of Hadel¡¯s own.


    The Grand Chamberlain was still collapsed on the floor with his mouth open, and the Head Maid was still prostrating.


    Just what kind of a fuss was this, all of a sudden?


    After glancing at Hadel, he must have been in a good mood, for he smiled while looking at me.


    I was about to say something, but the Imperial Doctor must have been finished taking my pulse, for he let go of my pulse and bowed down again.


    ¡°I-It seems she¡¯s caught a cold.¡±


    ¡°A cold with such a high fever? Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes, Your Majesty! H-H-H-How c-could I-I dare l-lie to Y-Your Majesty?¡±


    Wow, this person¡¯s stutter was really bad.


    It was my first time seeing someone with a stutter this bad.


    I think he originally had a stutter, but it had gotten worse because of the terrifying atmosphere Hadel was currently exuding.


    At this rate, he¡¯d continue to tremble in fear from being on his toes with Hadel, so I decided to assist the Imperial Doctor.


    ¡°Okay, thanks. Then please give me some medicine.¡±


    But even though I spoke with the nuance that he could leave, the Imperial Doctor trembled and didn¡¯t move.


    It seemed he was frozen like a stone because it wasn¡¯t the Emperor¡¯s order.


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    Grabbing Hadel by the hem of his clothes, I softly shook him. He must¡¯ve understood my meaning of letting this guy go, for he said something with a displeased expression.


    ¡°Go ahead. Bring the medicine right away.¡±


    ¡°U-Un-Understood!¡±


    It was then that the Imperial Doctor finally took some steps backwards and disappeared outside.


    Nice, then what was left was¡­

 Chapter 25

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡±


    I grabbed Hadel¡¯s hand tightly once more before speaking again.


    ¡°Your Majesty, I want to rest now. I¡¯ll deal with the incidents regarding the ledger tomorrow, after I¡¯ve gotten rest.¡±


    Hic!


    Hiccup!


    As soon as I finished my sentence, the Grand Chamberlain¡ªwho had collapsed on the floor¡ªstarted hiccuping loudly.


    When everyone¡¯s gazes shifted to stare at him, the Grand Chamberlain clasped both hands over his mouth with wide eyes.


    ¡°I-I apolo¡ª Hic!¡±


    The thought that ¡°people from the palace are truly strange¡± came to my mind.


    Hadel gave an order while coldly staring at the Grand Chamberlain.


    ¡°Since the Silver Lily is saying she¡¯s tired, I will leave the punishment for tomorrow. However, just leaving things as they are may lead to the destruction of evidence. So listen carefully.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Majesty.¡±


    When they heard Hadel¡¯s solemn voice, the servants¡ªwho¡¯d been standing in a line waiting to be addressed¡ªall kneeled and replied in unison.


    ¡°Lock the Head Maid in prison and don¡¯t give her a drop of water until the Silver Lily looks over the ledger and announces her crime.¡±


    ¡°We understand, Your Majesty.¡±


    ¡°Y-Your Majesty! I feel wronged!¡±


    The Head Maid kept shouting about how wronged she felt as the servants dragged her away.


    Although even her shouting voice was flat, it was still the most humane side of her I¡¯d seen up until now.


    After the Head Maid was dragged out, Hadel gestured with his hand for the other servants to wait outside.


    The moment everyone left and the door finally closed, he buried his face into my arms as if he¡¯d been holding himself back.


    ¡°Haa¡­ Asha.¡±


    ¡°Gosh, what were you thinking by escalating the situation while I was sleeping?¡±


    ¡°You were in pain, so how could I just stand by and do nothing? What¡¯s the point in being Emperor if I can¡¯t do anything about how much pain you¡¯re feeling?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. Anyway, since what¡¯s done is done, we have to switch up our approach a little bit.¡±


    ¡°¡­How?¡±


    The sides of my lips tilted upward as I slowly moved my head to stare into Hadel¡¯s shiny blinking eyes.


    ¡°This might actually be for the best. Good job, Hadel.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    Even though he had a perplexed look on his face, Hadel grinned foolishly when I began petting his black hair.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to contact Duke Valkirino tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Why contact him?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll soon be revealed to everyone that you love me, so I have to make a deal.¡±


    I used to wonder with frustration how much longer I¡¯d have to secretly meet Hadel at night, but since things had turned out this way, it wouldn¡¯t be so bad to grab the sword by the hilt myself.


    Considering that my family members were being held hostage, I had to balance things out by gathering some power, right?


    ¡°Asha, your expression right now is very cute.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Hehe. I want to draw a portrait of your current expression. Ah! Should I hire a painter tomorrow? Yes, I think I shall.¡±


    While talking to himself about painters and portraits, Hadel looked at me and started giggling again.


    Argh, who¡¯s the actual ¡°very cute¡± one here?


    * * *


    Tickle tickle.


    Tickle tickle.


    Tickle.


    The feeling of something crawling across my palm caused me to open my eyes. I tried to raise my upper body, but strangely enough, everything felt heavy like a water-soaked cotton ball.


    ¡°Asha. Are you awake?¡±


    Noticing my struggles, Hadel worriedly lifted a hand to my forehead.


    Ah. I must¡¯ve fallen asleep after spending time with Hadel in his arms last night.


    The Head Maid was dragged to the prison and¡­ Um. What else?


    More importantly, why did Hadel stay with me until morning instead of going back?!


    ¡°Did you also sleep here?¡±


    ¡°Yep. How¡¯s your body? Your forehead¡¯s still a bit warm.¡±


    As if he had only half-heard my question, Hadel¡¯s pink eyes were filled with worry.


    ¡°I¡¯m fi¡­¡±


    I almost habitually said I was fine. My ten years of living as a maid had forced me to be okay even when I wasn¡¯t, after all.


    But right now?


    I was with my most beloved Hadel, so it was okay for me to act a little childish in front of him.


    ¡°Asha?¡±


    Hadel¡¯s eyes filled with even more worry when he saw me pause in the middle of my sentence.


    I hugged his neck closer to me, smiling gently.


    ¡°I¡¯m not fine at all¡­ My throat hurts, and my head feels woozy. My body also feels so heavy that it¡¯s hard to mo¡­ huh?¡±


    While I let out all sorts of complaints, Hadel got up and pulled on the bell-rope with a very serious and turbulent expression.


    ¡°Did you call, Your Majesty?¡±


    Since the Head Maid had been dragged away in the middle of the night, the person standing guard in front of the Lily Palace was Hadel¡¯s exclusive Grand Chamberlain, Derrell.


    He entered with a haggard face, sweating profusely as he bowed his head.


    ¡°Call the Imperial Doctor immediately. The Silver Lily¡¯s condition is critical.¡±


    ¡°W-Wait, there¡¯s no need to go that fa¡ª¡±


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    ¡°U-Understood.¡±


    Regardless of what I said, it seemed the Grand Chamberlain would only listen to Hadel¡¯s commands. Unlike his haggard appearance, he moved his legs so quickly it seemed he would fly, as he left.


    ¡°Asha, are you very sick?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s really not that bad. Argh. Don¡¯t be so extra.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    Ah, I made a mistake. I shouldn¡¯t have said I was in pain in front of him.


    I was feeling at ease for the first time in a while, which caused my mind to be void of thoughts.


    ¡°Why do you act so scary around the servants? That¡¯s why everyone calls you a tyrant.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    ¡°In the future, try speaking a bit more kindly. What sins have the servants committed?¡±


    ¡°Okay. If you want me to, I will. Just don¡¯t be sick.¡±


    After saying that, Hadel buried his face into my embrace. I caressed and petted his black hair.


    ¡°I just have a cold, and I¡¯m aching a bit. It¡¯s really nothing serious. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°¡­Fine. Still, make sure to get examined by the Imperial Doctor.¡±


    Even though he replied with a sulky voice, he must¡¯ve liked the feeling of my hands, because he burst into low laughter soon after.


    Ah. How nice. I¡¯d missed this feeling so much.


    The more my current happiness increased, the more anger I felt toward those who had snatched away ten years¡¯ worth of time from me and Hadel.


    ¡°Hadel.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°No matter what I do, can you just protect me without worrying?¡±


    ¡°¡­Though it¡¯s impossible not to worry, I will always protect you, no matter where you are or what you do.¡±


    ¡°Okay. That¡¯s all I need. I¡¯m going to send a letter to Duke Valkirino today. I want to meet him personally and negotiate with him.¡±


    Hadel¡¯s expression hardened in response to my words. I lightly tapped his crumpled forehead before smiling.


    * * *


    Meanwhile, at the Valkirino Duchy¡­


    The air was so cold, it wouldn¡¯t be strange if a cold wind was blowing around.


    No, to be exact, the air wasn¡¯t cold¡ªthe atmosphere was.


    After setting down the tea he was drinking with a clack, the Duke stared at the butler who gave the report to him.


    The butler, who was prostrating in front of the Duke, felt like sweat was dripping down his back.


    However, he couldn¡¯t show a disorderly appearance while he was in front of the cold-blooded Duke Valirino.


    The butler got a grip of himself and gulped back his spit.


    Finally, the Duke opened his slender lips.


    ¡°So that child won the Emperor¡¯s favor, and Countess Chunet was locked up in prison?¡±


    ¡°¡­Yes, Your Excellency.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe all this could happen only a few days after she entered the palace. It¡¯s so inconceivable that I¡¯m thinking I must¡¯ve misheard what you just said.¡±


    Goosebumps ran across the butler¡¯s back when he heard the Duke¡¯s low voice. When he snuck a glance upward, he saw an evil grin on the Duke¡¯s face.


    It was an expression he only made when something very entertaining or very unpleasant occurred.


    ¡°How curious. Is it because the child reminds him of his dead wife? If not that, does she have some kind of special talent she used to seduce the Emperor?¡±


    The Duke took another sip of tea while wordlessly stroking the teacup¡¯s handle.


    The bitter yet sweet scent spread into his nose and helped clear his mind.


    ¡°Okay. Regardless, there¡¯s nothing she can do. Even if Madame Chunet was chased out, I still have many eyes and ears at the Lily Palace.¡±


    He¡¯d stationed many hands and feet over there, but since everything had happened overnight, it¡¯d be best to wait and see what that child was thinking.


    ¡°Leave. If even the slightest of changes occurs, report it to me right away.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Your Excellency.¡±


    At the Duke¡¯s command, the butler quickly left the room and concealed himself. On days when his master was in a bad mood or a fit of rage, deaths could occur soon after.


    The Duke was truly in a bad mood, but it was still strange to say that he was completely full of displeasure.


    This was because the unprecedented events left him unable to predict the future.


    Just how much time had he spent trying to gain the Emperor¡¯s favor?


    Since he himself couldn¡¯t become the Emperor, he¡¯d worked hard to at least have the power to control him.


    One of the methods he¡¯d tried was turning his daughter Nella into the Empress, but because the Emperor rejected every woman, it seemed like that would never happen.


    However, the worth of a commoner he¡¯d thought of as a throwaway card had somehow soared in comparison.


    ¡°Was Serienne her name?¡±


    She was a silver-haired woman who was rumored to be a distant relative of the de Ach family, but was that truly the case?


    If she wasn¡¯t, though, there was no explaining the familiar features and colors she shared with them.


    Well, it may be possible that she was a close relative rather than a distant one.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need to investigate. I should also report this incident, especially if there¡¯s anything significant about it.¡±


    The de Ach family had already fallen. He¡¯d thought they weren¡¯t even worthy of focusing on, so he¡¯d just blocked them from contacting the Emperor, but to think they¡¯d get on his nerves like this¡­


    While taking out some paper from his drawer, Duke Valkirino dipped his pen in ink.


    After considering it for a bit, his hand started moving across the paper without hesitation.


    Upon completing the letter, he sealed it, opened the window, and held out his arm.


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    Flutter.


    A messenger pigeon landed on his arm. After tying the case that contained the Duke¡¯s letter onto the bird¡¯s leg, it flew off.


    The bird glided over the duchy for a bit before flying off to the East, disappearing without a trace.


    During that dinner, the letter Ashella had sent arrived at the Duke¡¯s.


    Nice, then what was left was¡­