Chapter 61

Liliana had always believed that power was the means to protect herself.

As Helio had said, she believed that accumulating power would allow her to live without a child and without suffering from the extremes of heat and cold.

Why hadn’t she realized it before? Despite living a life swayed by the power wielded by others, she never once thought that she could use power to harm someone else.

Even someone entirely innocent, just because they happened to annoy her.

“I see.”

The former Liliana would have explained herself, insisting she wasn’t that person. But the Liliana of today knew better. She knew that such words would only make her appear weak.

Liliana forgot about the servant who had just left and turned her attention to her shoes. She selected dark navy shoes that matched well with her current dress.

The shoes’ subtle shimmer, like a faint Milky Way, was beautiful, yet the shine was not excessive, avoiding any sense of gaudiness. Most importantly, Liliana was pleased with the cushioning that made the shoes beautiful and comfortable.

“…I don’t say things that aren’t true.”

Liliana smiled softly, recalling Helio’s words. He had promised to find her beautiful yet comfortable shoes, and he was right.

“Sophia, send the rest of the shoes back.”

“What?”

Returning a gift bestowed by the Emperor was unthinkable by traditional etiquette. However, seeing the fear in the servant’s eyes just now had made Liliana realize something.

While she could intimidate a mere servant with her title as the Empress Consort, the same wouldn’t hold true for other nobles. No matter how favored she was, a humble Empress Consort would inevitably be looked down upon.

Liliana leaned close to Sophia’s ear and whispered softly.

“Make sure everyone knows.”

In reality, this plan would only work if Helio played along.

If he reacted angrily, they would only become the object of ridicule. But if he didn’t punish Liliana in any way after seeing this, people would begin to view this seemingly innocent Empress Consort differently.

This wouldn’t be enough to faze Duke Gabriel, but it was better to let him remain arrogant. It would actually work out in their favor.

Not long after, Minelli returned.

“If you wait here, His Majesty will arrive shortly.”

So Helio was still with Duke Gabriel. When Liliana signaled to Sophia, she took the box of shoes and stepped outside.

They wouldn’t interrupt Helio and Duke Gabriel’s meeting. All they needed to do was stand by the door.

In fact, standing there would draw more eyes, which was even better.

Only Liliana, Sir Ferren, and Minelli were left in the room with Sophia gone.

She wasn’t close enough to Ferren to converse, and chatting with Minelli in his presence felt rude.

After a long moment of silence, Liliana finally rose from her seat.

“Where are you going?”

Liliana offered Ferren an awkward smile in response to his question.

“I felt like taking a walk after putting on the shoes His Majesty gifted me.”

Since Ferren wasn’t her guest, it wasn’t insulting for her to leave. Ferren, seemingly understanding, nodded deeply. Liliana stepped outside with Minelli.

Sophia might be flustered when she returned, but she would understand her mistress’s decision to escape the stifling silence. The maid had no obligation to engage in conversation, so she might find it more manageable.

Liliana considered returning to the banquet hall but didn’t want to return to that crowded place just yet, still mentally exhausted from thinking of what to say earlier.

Just a little longer, just a bit of rest. With that thought, Liliana headed toward the garden near the banquet hall.

While the garden appeared splendid at the entrance, it was often criticized for being rather lackluster on the inside. It was designed more as a place for a brief stroll away from the banquet hall than anything else.

The garden seemed dark tonight, aided by the bright lights spilling from the banquet hall. Minelli, following behind Liliana, procured a small lantern from another servant.

After passing through the stunning entrance, the garden’s dark and monotonous interior came into view.

Though merely a façade, the garden was still part of the royal grounds, spacious and well-maintained. However, an outdoor space with few people felt more remarkable than the banquet hall, making goosebumps on her arms.

“Your Highness, Empress Consort Liliana.”

Someone called out, causing her to stop smoothing her bare skin. Turning around, she saw a man holding a lantern.

At first, she thought he might be someone’s servant or a royal guard since he wasn’t accompanied by an attendant. But as she peered past the backlighting, she recognized the sharp features.

“Lord Gabriel.”

Recalling the etiquette Hesdin had taught her, Liliana naturally extended her hand in a fluid motion.

This gesture was not customary in the Kingdom of Nieta, so she felt a bit embarrassed inwardly, though she made an effort not to show it.

Vail bent over her hand and gently took it, leaving a soft breath on her hand as he lightly kissed the back of it.

“For now, would you mind calling me by my name instead of Lord Gabriel?“

“…That would be wise, Lord Vail.”

If Liliana were to address those from the Gabriel faction by their names, it would further solidify the mistaken belief that their goal was merely independence.

Duke Gabriel wouldn’t dare show such disgrace in public, and thus, he would strengthen his ties with the branch family. The more he did so, the more opportunities Vail would have to ascend to the main lineage.

“You must have followed me because you have something to say?”

“Followed? I simply trailed politely.”

Vail replied with a brazen smile. Although Liliana wanted to maintain a composed demeanor in response to Vail’s relaxed attitude, the autumn night air was chilly.

When she unconsciously wrapped one shoulder, Vail began to remove his jacket.

“If it wouldn’t be too forward—“

“It is.“

“I only wish to lend it to you until we leave the garden. After that, I do have my pride.”

Though Vail’s words were teasing, Liliana glanced at him skeptically. However, she knew that without the jacket, she might begin to shiver before their conversation was over.

Understanding her silence as consent, Vail approached with the jacket in hand.

He draped the navy jacket over Liliana’s shoulders and reached to pull out her pink hair that had gotten caught beneath it. But Liliana took a step back, giving him a stern look.

“I’ve noticed before, Lord Vail, that you are rather informal.“

“Is that so?“

“Yes. In any case, thank you for the jacket.“

“I didn’t think it through. I apologize. Having a younger sister has made me prone to such mistakes. Please consider it the folly of a simple man and forgive me.“

“You seem to care a lot for Lady Agrina.“

“I do, and she is such a lively child that I often worry.”

Liliana only nodded briefly in response, choosing not to speak. Meanwhile, Minelli set down the lantern temporarily to help arrange Liliana’s hair more comfortably.

“So, why did you follow me, Lord Vail?“

“You might want to prepare your final card.”

At those words, Liliana lifted her head to meet Vail’s gaze. His expression was full of confidence, leaving no doubt about his meaning.

“Are you certain this time?“

“He’s an old spirit summoner from the Duchy of Laove. They say he’s over eighty but doesn’t look a day over fifty or sixty.”

The stronger a spirit summoner’s affinity with nature, the slower they aged.

While this difference wasn’t striking in their youth, it became more noticeable as they grew older. In fact, many spirit summoners were born in the Duchy of Laove, where the spirits were even more potent than in the Kingdom of Nieta. However, few ever left its borders since the duchy was so isolated.

“Very well. Arrange for the spirit summoner to visit my palace soon.“

“Yes, Your Highness.”

They continued to stroll through the garden, discussing the spirit summoner. Perhaps because of this, they found themselves more profound in the garden than initially intended.

She was slightly uneasy about leaving with Vail, but it wasn’t a serious concern. After all, most people would assume she was still resting in the room with Helio, so it shouldn’t cause any significant issues.

“I would prefer if you waited a while before leaving after I do.“

“Of course.”

Vail accepted Liliana’s suggestion without any discomfort. It happened just as they started walking back toward the exit.

“Oh…!“

Liliana’s foot struck something thick and heavy. Unprepared, she stumbled slightly.

Vail’s reaction was instinctive. He reached out, wrapped an arm around her waist, and pulled her close. The moonlight illuminated their faces, allowing them to see each other’s eyes clearly.

Liliana’s pink eyes were filled with surprise, but Vail didn’t immediately let go. He found himself momentarily captivated by her unfamiliar scent. It reminded him of the fresh fragrance from the flowers in the vase that his maid changed every morning.

“Lord Vail, I’m—I’m fine now.”

Liliana hastily said, gently pushing herself away. Vail, snapping back to his senses, quickly released her and bowed deeply.

“My apologies for the impropriety.”

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