A Second Divorce is Difficult - Side Story 3 - The Emperor and the Empress (3)

Side Story 3 – The Emperor and the Empress (3)

“Where I studied abroad, they used to drink coffee.”

“Ah, because in the kingdom of Deston, they prefer coffee to tea.”

Hyde replied, “You know well, too.”

“And how do you like yours?”

“I prefer the traditional way, as I like a stronger flavor.”

“That must be quite a process.”

“Among foreigners, those who prefer the traditional method are rare.”

Shannua, Katrina, Eli, Ruby, and even Hyde gathered together for tea time.

Emily Grit had already left for her busy schedule, and Viscount and Viscountess Rainier were out for a walk alone.

“What about you?”

“Hmm?”

“How do you like to drink?”

Ruby asked Eli.

“I prefer it brewed cleanly. It takes a bit of time, but it’s easier to drink.”

“Really?”

“If you want to try it, I’ll bring in the coffee machine.”

‘I’ll have to get the beans,’ Eli muttered.

In his mind’s eye, the room off the kitchen on the first floor was already being renovated and transformed into a place to make coffee.

“I should bring in some beans tomorrow.”

Hyde, who had been listening to Eli and Ruby’s conversation, said.

“Tomorrow?”

The response came from Shannua, not the two of them.

“Yes. I have some beans I brought back to enjoy on my return journey to Luben. I think it would be worthwhile if we all enjoyed them together.”

Shannua meant to ask if he was coming back, but Hyde didn’t catch the implication and replied cheerfully.

“That’s a good idea. But Ruby, you’ll have yours next time.”

“Why?”

“Because you need to be careful with anything right now. Get yourself well, and then you can drink to your heart’s content.”

“Okay.”

Ruby looked a little disappointed, but his concern made her nod obediently.

Feeling grateful, Eli took her hand and kissed it lightly before setting it down.

“That sounds… exciting.”

Shannua said, sighing inwardly.

Lord Rayon’s visit to Katrina was not a one-time thing.

“It’s nice that you visit the Empress so often, but shouldn’t you be mindful of the eyes of others? ”

One day, when his visits had continued for several days, Shannua said.

“If it’s unsavory gossip that His Majesty is worried about, would it be okay if I mingle with the others staying here?”

It was a way of saying that he would keep coming back.

“……That would be fine, then.”

Shannua had no choice but to say yes, as he had already spit out his words and couldn’t easily pick them up.

Besides, Katrina’s expression showed that she didn’t dislike Hyde’s visit at all.

He had expected that if it became uncomfortable for her to socialize with others, she would soon stop, but even that hope was soon shattered.

As someone who had spent a long time studying abroad, he quickly became acquainted with people due to his interesting stories.

“Lord Rayon, you seem to know a lot of interesting stories.”

“Compared to Earl Rox, I’m sure he knows more than he does.”

At Ruby’s comment, Hyde threw up his hands in disbelief.

“I’m not good with words like you. Your strength is making even the same story sound interesting.”

“Eli’s been talking a lot more since Count Rayon came, and it’s all the better because I’m learning things I didn’t know.”

So that’s why.

Shannua thought as he listened to Ruby’s answer.

“Tell me if you’re uncomfortable with Lord Rayon’s visit.”

“Oh, it’s fine.”

“……Are you okay?”

“Yes. Ruby enjoys Lord Rayon’s stories. Since Ruby likes them, I do too.”

Ultimately, Shannua couldn’t refuse the visits under the pretext of being the host.

“If Your Majesty has any preferences…”

Hyde asked Katrina.

“I prefer to drink it the traditional way, as it’s simpler and more comfortable.”

“I see. Her Majesty’s tastes must have changed.”

“Perhaps it’s because I’ve grown up.”

There was a small smile in Katrina’s voice as she replied.

Perhaps it was a story only the two of them knew.

“Oh, Her Majesty ran away when she was younger because she didn’t like bitter medicine.”

Recognizing Shannua’s gaze, Hyde explained.

“…… Was that true?”

“That was a long time ago.”

Katrina looked embarrassed as she answered, keeping her gaze down.

“Well, the Empress I know eats anything, so it’s surprising.”

“Then you’re probably right; I haven’t seen Her Majesty in a long time.”

Hyde stepped back at the opportune moment.

“If your families have been close since childhood, you must know a lot about each other. I’m curious about the Empress’s past, too, so perhaps you could tell me some stories?”

Hyde stepped back at the opportune moment.

Answering Shannua’s question, Hyde glanced at Katrina, worried that she might be embarrassed.

“But I suppose there are some things that never change. Tell me one.”

Shannua’s gaze followed Hyde’s to Katrina.

“I’ve never heard stories about the Empress before her marriage.”

Shannua looked away and back to Hyde. There was an odd silence before Hyde spoke.

“Well, she was a hard worker, and she never gave up on anything.”

“…….”

“I only remember the memories where she shone brightly.”

This time, Hyde didn’t avoid Shannua’s gaze.

He knew it could be misleading, but that was how he felt about Katrina.

“I see. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Shannua nodded.

“By the way, I don’t think I’ve heard the news of your marriage.”

“No, not yet.”

“As the second son of the Count of Rayon, you must have had quite a few engagement requests. Is there a reason for that?”

“No, it just naturally happened as my studies progressed.”

Shannua muttered, “I see.”

After that, he remained lost in thought, sipping his tea quietly.

* * *

“I will tell Lord Rayon to refrain from visiting.”

That evening, before Katrina fell asleep, she said to Shannua.

“His Majesty seems to be uncomfortable.”

“No. I enjoyed hearing about you too.”

Then Katrina stared at Shannua. As if to ask if he really did.

“I was just curious since you’re not good at talking about anything. Don’t you have something to tell me yourself?”

Shannua said, as if he knew what she was thinking.

“I’m not going to tell you ……, so I won’t bother.”

Katrina ended the conversation, neither confirming nor denying.

* * *

And the next day, as always, Hyde came first, followed by the arrival of the new guest, Ganessa Byton.

“Lady Ganessa has arrived.”

“Ah, lead her this way.”

To everyone’s astonishment, Shannua commanded calmly.

“Lady Byton was summoned by His Majesty?”

“Yes. I was in such a hurry that I wasn’t able to inform you.”

At Eli’s question, Shannua gave him an understanding look.

“As it happens, Lord Rayon has brought a new batch of coffee for us to enjoy, and I thought it would be better if we all shared.”

At that, Ruby and Eli exchanged glances.

Katrina looked at Shannua in surprise and quickly looked away.

It was Hyde staring back at her.

The movement of the different gazes came and went in a flash.

A moment later, Ganessa arrived, escorted by Damon.

“I am honored to be here, Your Majesty.”

“Lady Byton, please take a seat here.”

Nodding at her greeting, Shannua gestured to the seat across from Hyde.

“Both Katrina and I know you, and this is Earl and Countess Rox; Eli Grit and Ruby Grit, and next to them, Lord Rayon. Let us greet each other.”

“I’m Ganessa Byton, and I’m honored to be invited.”

“Welcome; it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Everyone nodded lightly and exchanged pleasantries, and Ruby flashed Ganessa an awkward smile.

She was embarrassed, but she was an invited guest after all.

“Lord Rayon says he’s brought some new tea, and I’m just about to try it, so you’ve come at the perfect time.”

Just then, a maid brought him a pot of hot water.

In front of Hyde was a teacup with finely ground coffee.

“Pour in the hot water and drink.”

Pouring the water into the teacup in front of him, Hyde set the teacup down in front of everyone but Ruby.

“You don’t have to drink it right away; just wait a bit for the powder to settle and sip it slowly.”

“The flavor is really strong.”

Ruby, who wasn’t planning on drinking coffee, sniffed the aroma from the mug Eli handed her.

“It’ll go well with a sweet dessert. If you find it too bitter, have some dessert.”

Hyde explained this to Ganessa, who looked at the unfamiliar coffee with a curious expression. He didn’t forget to bring the dessert close by.

Her eyes sparkled and she nodded her head in understanding, then carefully sipped her coffee.

Remembering Hyde’s words, she drank the coffee slowly but quickly, put the cup down at the bitter taste and took a bite of the dessert.

“That’s… surprising.”

Ganessa said, suddenly ashamed of her behavior.

“It’s normal at first. I was like that too.”

Hyde explained it matter-of-factly.

“I just can’t get used to the bitterness.”

Eli took a few sips and put it down, frowning weakly.

Only in response did Ganessa look slightly relieved and nibble on her cookie.

Shannua sipped his coffee, too, and pushed the dessert plate in front of him closer to Katrina.

Since the royal family often received coffee as a gift, Shannua had already adapted somewhat to the bitterness.

“So, Lady Byton, are you staying on the Byton estate right now?”

Katrina asked Ganessa as she set down her cup of coffee.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“It must have been quite a journey to come all the way here.”

“No, I’m honored just to be invited.”

“If you think so, I’m grateful. Your Majesty must see something lovely in you to invite you.”

Everyone but Ganessa froze slightly at Katrina’s words.

“It might be hard to go back to your estate, so why don’t you stay a bit longer while you’re here?

“There are plenty of rooms in the manor where I’m staying with the Emperor, if you don’t mind, Earl Rox? “

Casually, Katrina asked Eli.

“……I’ll have it ready for you, if Her Majesty doesn’t mind.”

Slightly embarrassed, Eli’s gaze flicked to Shannua before he replied, a little late.

Eli hoped Shannua would give him some hint or instruction, but Shannua was too preoccupied with looking at Katrina to notice his gaze.

“Thank you, Earl. That’s good.”

It was only after the decision was made that Katrina’s gaze shifted to Shannua, who had been watching her the entire time.

Katrina locked eyes with Shannua for a moment, then turned to Ganessa and flashed her a kind smile.

“Lady Byton, make sure to try the desserts. They’re made by a famous chef from the capital and are delicious.”

Like Shannua, Hyde could not take his eyes off Katrina.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories