Chapter 49

Hearing that Lucia had arrived, Liliana hurriedly ran out, not freezing like the other maids. Instead, she greeted Lucia with a cheerful smile and linked arms with her.

This time, Lucia froze. She had never met anyone who was not afraid of her and acted so familiarly, leaving her flustered.

“Princess, please don’t be too angry. I had my reasons.”

Lucia coughed, trying to regain her composure. The tiger-like fierceness had already dissipated.

“What reasons?”

“The Third Imperial Knights were monitoring my palace before, weren’t they?”

“That’s exactly my point. Do you know how upset I was because of that? I went to Helio and…”

Lucia, who had been speaking excitedly, abruptly stopped. Liliana leaned her cheek on Lucia’s shoulder and smiled.

“Did you go to see His Majesty for my sake?”

Lucia glanced at Liliana, then blushed and answered coolly.

“I did it because it was unfair.”

Liliana unlinked their arms and bowed gracefully. Her light movements seemed almost playful.

“Thank you, Princess.”

Since the Empress Consort bowed, the princess couldn’t stand still. In response, Lucia reflexively bent her waist, though her face still held confusion.

Liliana didn’t keep Lucia waiting long. She led Lucia to the drawing room, chattering all the while.

“At that time, my relationship with the Third Imperial Knights wasn’t good. I didn’t know why I was being monitored, and the knights couldn’t divulge the royal command. The maids in the Emerald Palace viewed the knights unfavorably, and the knights, though stern, must have harbored resentment.“

“They were just following orders. There’s no reason for them to be resentful.”

Liliana covered her mouth and laughed.

“Logically, yes. But emotions don’t work that way. Resentment from above usually trickles down.”

Liliana knew this well. In the Nieta Royal Palace, the Fourth Princess Fecilia held many grudges against the king for not favoring her and her mother more. Unable to direct her anger at the king, Fecilia often vented her frustrations on Liliana, the fifth princess.

“Recently, the Third Imperial Knights were involved in investigating my accident. It was the perfect situation to express their grievances.“

“You treated the Third Imperial Knights to a meal to foster goodwill.“

“Exactly. It also looks good from the outside. They’ll probably be more diligent in their investigation.”

Liliana was smiling brightly, but Lucia was inwardly impressed. Honestly, Liliana didn’t give off the impression of being clever. She seemed more like an innocent, naive girl.

But in moments like this, Lucia realized that Liliana was intelligent and pragmatic.

Liliana offered Lucia tea with a cheerful smile.

Thanks to financial support from the Marquisate of Liston, her budget suddenly became ample. It wasn’t enough to hoard money; it needed to be used beneficially.

In truth, there was another reason for her good mood.

“I’ve never been attached to anyone. But I keep looking at you.“

Helio’s whispered words from a few days ago at the Liston Marquisate echoed in her ears, causing her neck to flush red whenever she remembered.

Fortunately, Lucia, preoccupied with her thoughts, didn’t notice Liliana’s reaction. She sighed deeply and spoke.

“Still, I’m relieved to see you’re healthy. I was so worried about the poisoning incident and the carriage accident.“

“I’m sorry for causing you concern.”

She had never been in a carriage accident and enjoyed her stay at the Marquisate residence. It was natural for her to be in good health.

Moreover, knowing why Helio had been distant gave her peace of mind. She felt like she had gained weight in just a few days of good food and rest.

While Liliana touched her cheek thoughtfully, Lucia’s expression turned serious. It seemed she had another reason for worrying.

“There will be a Harvest Festival to celebrate the autumn.“

“Wow, really?”

Liliana responded with a simple exclamation as if she had no idea what Lucia would say.

Lucia couldn’t tell if Liliana was smart or clueless at times like this. Liliana had no expectations for any exceptional opportunities.

Lucia spoke bluntly, unable to avoid it.

“After you’ve recovered a bit, help with the Harvest Festival preparations.“

“What?”

As expected, Liliana was utterly taken aback, her teacup trembling slightly. Lucia thought it was incredible that Liliana, who had received so much attention for preparing the Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet, showed no ambition.

“I’m not qualified for that,“ Liliana said weakly.

Lucia grabbed Liliana’s hand firmly.

“Your Highness, qualifications aren’t given; they’re earned. The more you take on the Empress’s role, the more secure your position becomes.“

‘And the more wary the Gabriel duchy will become,‘ Liliana thought negatively but quickly corrected herself.

‘The Gabriel duchy has already tried to harm me twice.’

Now that she was allied with both Vail Gabriel and the Marchioness of Liston, if Liliana held back, she might lose their trust. She decided to be more proactive.

“Yes, I’ll do it. I’ll work hard.“

“Of course you should.”

It wasn’t Lucia who said this. Liliana looked up sharply at the sound of the voice.

A man with a golden aura stood leaning against the door, seemingly listening to their entire conversation.

Since when?

Liliana blinked rapidly, staring at Helio. It wasn’t the maids’ fault; if Helio ordered them not to announce his arrival, they couldn’t disobey.

Helio strode over to the table with long strides, and Lucia clicked her tongue and stood up.

“I’ll see you later.“

“Ah, Princess! Wait…”

Liliana tried to stop Lucia, but Helio gently pressed her shoulder with his fingertips.

“I don’t want to see that capricious woman’s face. Goodbye.”

Lucia, genuinely disliking Helio, vanished quickly, leaving only Helio and Liliana in the reception room.

While Liliana fidgeted with her hands on her lap, the maids cleaned the table and prepared new teacups.

Liliana didn’t touch her teacup, instead stealing glances at Helio’s face. It was the first time she had seen his handsome face since the Marquis of Liston’s residence.

Though inwardly thrilled to see him, she didn’t want to smile foolishly.

Liliana lowered her head, fearing her expression would betray her feelings if she continued looking at his handsome face.

“I’m sorry.”

But Helio’s sudden apology forced Liliana to look up at him. His eyes were solemn.

“You already apologized back then.“

“It wasn’t enough, so I’ll say it many times.“

“Even for the exalted Emperor?”

When Liliana asked cautiously, Helio laughed softly.

“Are you mocking me?“

“No, not at all!”

Liliana waved her hands frantically. She genuinely couldn’t understand why the Emperor himself would come to apologize for his mistake.

In the Kingdom of Nieta, though she didn’t see the king often, he was an arrogant and petty man. He never acknowledged his mistakes; if he did, he compensated with money or titles rather than words.

Helio, seeing Liliana’s expression, understood what she was thinking.

“I don’t make mistakes to apologize for in the first place.”

At his confident words, Liliana couldn’t help but laugh. Despite coming to apologize, Helio was still Helio—arrogant but understandably so.

But Helio’s arrogant gaze softened as he looked at Liliana seriously.

“I won’t make a mistake, but I must apologize again. I promise.“

Helio’s blue eyes were filled only with Liliana.

Feeling the sincerity, Liliana was suddenly scared. She was sure that Helio’s words could take hold of her life and shake it.

Was this the fear Helio had felt?

Liliana hesitated for a moment, but not long. She had always been ready to forgive Helio.

“Then, let’s pinky promise.”

Liliana placed her right hand on the table and smiled. Her little finger stuck out from her tiny fist.

Helio chuckled at the sight. It was absurd and ridiculous, but he found her unbearably adorable.

For the first time in his life, Helio performed the childish act of linking pinkies.

Would Liliana trust such a trivial promise without a blood oath, seal, or signature? Should he offer to draft a contract?

At that moment, Liliana raised her tiny thumb and said, “Let’s stamp it, too,“ with a bright smile. Her face shone with pure warmth and radiance like a freshly bloomed flower.

Helio felt that he could never break this trivial promise because of that moment’s smile.

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