Chapter 60

Liliana thought about lying. She didn’t believe she could deceive Helio, but if she sincerely wished for it, this gentleman would allow himself to be fooled.

However, because of that, Liliana chose not to tell the truth or a lie.

“I won’t tell.” she finally declared.

Helio narrowed his eyes, looking at her. His gaze seemed to see through others, and it was particularly intense at this moment.

“So it was an excuse?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“To hide something from me?“

“…Yes.”

“Are you hiding it because you think I’ll punish you if I find out?”

“No.“

“So, despite not expecting punishment, you just want to keep it to yourself.“

Helio’s persistent questioning made Liliana respond one by one. She hesitated, but neither remained silent nor lied.

Helio clicked his tongue, seemingly displeased with the situation.

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Helio straightened up from his relaxed position on the sofa. A ruler should never show a weary appearance to others.

“Your Majesty, it’s me!”

The unmistakably chirpy voice belonged to Ternz. Liliana found it amusing how he pretended to be solemn only when many people were around.

Helio grumbled with irritation on his face.

“That impudent fool must have forgotten his own name.”

The sharp demeanor he had just shown while questioning Liliana vanished quickly. Helio was adept at managing himself, and Liliana often felt awe at this ability.

Regardless, Helio’s mood had lightened, and Liliana turned her head to the side, exhaling in relief.

“Your Majesty, may I come in?“

“Come in.”

No sooner had Helio spoken than Ternz, who seemed to have been waiting with his hand on the doorknob, stepped inside.

“Sorry to interrupt your rest, Your Highness.”

Liliana glanced sideways. According to court etiquette, Ternz should have sought Helio’s permission, not hers.

However, Helio showed no interest in correcting Ternz’s behavior.

“It’s alright, Sir Ternz. I’ll leave to give you privacy for your important discussion.“

“No, Your Majesty will likely be moving instead,“ Ternz replied.

Helio frowned deeply, rubbing his forehead before standing up fully.

Liliana also wanted to stand but found her feet cushioned instead of in shoes.

Seeing her looking longingly at her shoes, Helio pressed his finger to her forehead.

“You stay here. Don’t wander around.“

“How can I?“

“Then walk around barefoot. Ternz, throw those away.”

Ternz, heading towards the discarded shoes, gave Liliana a silly grin, looking nothing like the emperor’s brilliant aide.

“Your Highness, don’t be too disheartened. His Majesty ordered new shoes for you long ago. Until then, please rest here comfortably.“

“Oh…”

“And His Majesty dislikes Duke Gabriel entering his space—“

Ternz’s enthusiastic explanation was cut short by a cushion Helio threw at him.

Liliana giggled at the comical sight, but Helio noticed the bittersweet expression that soon followed.

From Liliana’s perspective, Helio’s meeting with Duke Gabriel was never a good sign. Helio extended his hand to her, and Liliana hesitated.

“I’ll take your hand this time,” he assured.

“Really?”

Seeing her hand extend quickly, Helio chuckled softly. He firmly grasped her slender hand.

“The Gabriel duchy is a remnant of the previous emperor. It’s not difficult to topple a weak pillar. But what about those near that pillar?”

Liliana frowned slightly at the analogy but answered honestly.

“They’d be surprised. And could get hurt badly.“

“Exactly.”

Liliana realized Helio had no intention of keeping the Gabriel family close. He was merely making them arrogant and careless before striking.

In the original story, Beatty Gabriel became empress, but this might not have been Helio’s desired outcome. When the Gabriel family lost power, Beatty Gabriel met her end soon after.

“I’m such a fool,“ Liliana admitted. She felt foolish for thinking Helio might be protecting the Gabriel family when he apprehended the maid who tried to poison her.

“Well, I’ll commend you for not lying to me. It’s rare for a squirrel to be smarter than this.“

Helio’s voice was playful, but his gaze was warm enough to melt her.

Helio gently caressed the back of her hand with his thumb before letting go.

“I’ll be back soon, so rest.“

“When my shoes arrive, I want to go out. It’s not often that such grand social events are held.“

“We can have another social event.“

“Then I’ll have to socialize diligently again.”

Liliana didn’t seem likely to back down. Helio shook his head in exasperation but didn’t appear angry.

After all, he had told her to build her own power base.

“Then, in the meantime, ask your maids to massage your feet,”

Helio said, remaining gentle until the end. He didn’t forget to send Sophia and Minelli in as soon as he left.

While Sophia brought warm water and softly massaged Liliana’s feet, Liliana covered her face with both hands.

Helio cherishing her and sharing his thoughts with her was already a miracle, but she kept having an unreasonable desire.

‘I want to be his only woman.’

As soon as the thought came up, Liliana shook her head. Helio needed a politically advantageous empress who could bear heirs and significantly push out the Gabriel family. If Caroline Liston were alive, she would surely be a contender for empress.

Thinking that, Liliana’s expression darkened again.

Sophia, noticing her worried face, asked what was wrong, but Liliana only forced a clumsy smile. If she shared her thoughts, Sophia would indeed be concerned.

Sophia was practical and cared deeply for Liliana, so she would earnestly request that Liliana not hold out hope for impossible things.

Not long after, Liliana heard another knock. She thought it must be a servant bringing her new shoes, as Helio had promised.

However, the person who entered with Liliana’s permission was a large, burly man, far too imposing to be a servant. It was a familiar face, the captain of the Third Imperial Knights, whom she had met before.

As soon as he entered, Liliana caught a whiff of musty mildew. Usually, it would be improper, but he must have had his reasons as a knight captain.

Thinking it rude to show it, Liliana held her breath momentarily, gradually acclimating before speaking.

“Um, Sir Ferren?“

“Yes, Your Highness. Ferren, the Third Imperial Knights captain, greets Empress Consort Liliana.“

Ferren seemed surprised to find only Liliana in the room. It was obvious who he was here to see.

“You must have missed him. His Majesty just left.“

“Oh, I’ve been rude. My apologies, Your Highness!“

“No need to apologize. If it’s urgent, should I relay the message? My maid knows where His Majesty went.“

“Yes, I would appreciate that.”

Ferren spoke with strength, placing one arm across his chest.

“Your Highness, the suspect in the carriage accident has finally spoken. The perpetrator will soon be revealed, so please do not worry too much.“

Liliana’s face momentarily hardened, but thanks to Hesdin’s training, she quickly managed a soft smile.

‘What happened to the maid who tried to poison me?’

Lost in thought, Liliana signaled Minelli and gave her instructions.

While Minelli left, Liliana asked Ferren various questions, but he honestly replied that it was too early to provide answers. It was much better than pretending not to know or lying.

Knock knock.

Someone knocked again. Helio had told her to rest comfortably, but with so many visitors, it was hard to relax.

Fortunately, this time, it was indeed the shoes. Liliana welcomed the servant with a bright expression.

“Why is the box so big?”

In response to Liliana’s question, the servant opened the luxurious box, revealing three pairs of expensive shoes. Liliana was momentarily speechless.

“I only have one pair of feet, but there are three pairs of shoes.“

“Oh, Your Highness…”

Sophia chuckled as if unable to help it.

“They were procured from the three most famous shoemakers in the capital. His Majesty instructed you to choose your favorite, and the royal family will hire that artisan exclusively.”

The servant seemed visibly nervous, like someone unaccustomed to being on stage. Liliana, puzzled, let him leave.

“Doesn’t it seem like he’s scared of me?”

Liliana asked awkwardly, and Sophia nodded, equally puzzled. The unexpected answer came from Ferren.

“The servant’s behavior is natural.“

“Why do you think that, Sir Ferren?“

“Your Highness is the most favored empress consort. A servant’s life could be at risk for a single mistake. Naturally, they are tense and serve you with utmost respect.”

Liliana smiled softly. She had heard countless flatteries in the social world, but no one had spoken so directly as Ferren.

Judging by his straightforward personality, he never made empty remarks.

“So, Sir Ferren can say such things.”

However, Ferren wasn’t smiling, and Sophia seemed to realize something. She leaned in close to Liliana and whispered.

“Sir Ferren is correct. You have shown much during this banquet.”

Liliana had an epiphany at Sophia’s words. The emperor’s fleeting favor had not waned, and she had formed a connection with the resurgent Marchioness of Liston as her godmother. Additionally, she had won over the lesser branches of the Gabriel family, who were clearly the Gabriel duchy’s pawns.

No one called Liliana the abandoned princess anymore.

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