Chapter 78

“I don’t know anything else, but I’m unsure if the tree will grow well… But I do like the idea of getting another tree. I’ll plant it somewhere else.”

“You should plant it in a visible spot so that people can see it and think, ‘The Emperor is completely obsessed with that Emerald Palace; he’s doing all sorts of things.’“

“Even when Your Majesty gives me just a pair of earrings, the entire palace hears about it. What are you worried about?”

Liliana laughed softly, imagining Helio giving her a new tree in the spring.

“The back of the Emerald Palace feels a bit empty, so I’m thinking of planting it there. Unlike the main gate, it’s cozy back there, and having a picnic would be nice.”

She remembered having picnics in the small courtyard of the palace in the Kingdom of Nietta. Simply laying out a neat cloth and sitting on it to eat sandwiches had brought back such happy memories.

“A picnic?”

Helio asked, puzzled, and Liliana blinked before replying gloomily.

“Oh, I guess the Empress Consort shouldn’t have picnics…”

The thought of not being able to enjoy her yearly picnics made her feel a bit sad. It also made her realize how much she missed being with her mother.

When Liliana didn’t smile, Helio spoke up, almost as if he were insisting,

“Why not? If you do it with me, then it’s fine.”

Liliana was so taken aback by his words that she hesitantly asked,

“… You’ll join me?”

“Is there some rule saying the Emperor can’t have a picnic? Isn’t it just laying out a mat and eating sandwiches?”

Liliana was surprised that Helio knew precisely what a picnic was. Smiling foolishly, she gently swung their joined hands.

“It probably shouldn’t be allowed… But who would dare tell Your Majesty not to?”

Helio smiled as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

An Emperor and Empress Consort having a picnic—it was such an amusing thought that Liliana couldn’t help but laugh.

When she started laughing out loud, Helio also laughed in a low voice.

* * *

As she had warned Helio, Liliana met with Agrina. Agrina wore a light purple dress that complemented her bright and gentle smile.

Liliana received Agrina’s greeting while sitting at the head of the parlor, and her awkwardness was clearly visible.

In contrast, Agrina walked naturally and gracefully to sit before Liliana.

“It’s been quite a while since the party that day, hasn’t it? I wanted to visit you right away, but you seemed busy.”

Her tone was much warmer and friendlier than at the public event.

Liliana had never said anything harsh to anyone she was close to. In fact, she had no one close enough to do that with.

But this matter wouldn’t resolve itself if she kept her mouth shut and waited.

Liliana got straight to the point after exchanging a few pleasantries with Agrina. She didn’t want to waste Agrina’s time unnecessarily.

Rubbing her thumb on her knee, Liliana spoke,

“Agrina, I need to say something about the deal with Lord Vail.“

“Please, say anything.”

Agrina still sat with perfect posture, smiling warmly.

Liliana wondered if the cheerful young lady she had first met only appeared in front of spirits… With that thought, she continued,

“I don’t think I can help you ascend to Empress.“

Agrina’s smile stiffened, and her eyes’ warmth faded like sand slipping through her fingers.

Seeing her suddenly cold expression made Liliana hesitate, but she wasn’t scared. She had spent her whole life enduring cold gazes and was used to it.

However, she felt a twinge of regret because she thought she had become a little—just a little—closer to Agrina.

“Are you canceling the deal?“

“If necessary. But if you and Lord Vail are willing, renegotiate the terms.

“May I ask why you’ve suddenly changed your mind?”

Liliana was momentarily at a loss for words. But she didn’t feel the need to explain her feelings to Agrina. Instead, she thought she should speak with more confidence and clarity.

Liliana straightened her back, gathering all the poise she had learned from Hesdin. She looked at Agrina with a gaze that naturally conveyed a sense of superiority as if it was only right to look down on her.

“I wish to become Empress myself.“

Liliana’s efforts paid off, and her voice sounded more elegant.

Agrina looked at Liliana and then sighed deeply as she lifted her teacup. She placed the cup and saucer comfortably on her lap, which was not in line with the Empire’s etiquette.

When Agrina’s maid whispered something in her ear, Agrina simply shrugged and ignored her. Where had the cheerful and elegant young lady been here just moments ago?

“Well, I had a feeling this might happen.“

Agrina’s expression was full of regret, but it wasn’t quite the same as lingering attachment. It was more like the kind of regret after giving up altogether.

“His Majesty the Emperor didn’t seem to have the slightest interest in me. He didn’t even give me a chance to subtly show off my strengths in front of him. He should be looking at noble ladies since he needs to choose the next Empress, but he didn’t look at any of them.”

Agrina, staring into her teacup, glanced at Liliana. Her manner was markedly different from Vail’s smooth and polished demeanor.

Sophia was about to step in due to Agrina’s rude behavior, but Liliana stopped her with a look.

She became curious about Agrina’s true nature.

“His Majesty already seemed to have chosen the next Empress.“

“What?”

When Liliana reacted in surprise, Agrina put down her cup and saucer and laughed as if she found it amusing.

“You don’t know?“

“…It can’t be Beatty Gabriel.“

“Of course not. His Majesty is probably more determined to prevent Beatty Gabriel from becoming Empress than you are.”

Liliana felt embarrassed, as if her jealousy had been exposed to Agrina. Her face flushed, but Agrina continued speaking without paying any attention.

“In my opinion, His Majesty has already decided that Liliana, Her Highness the Empress Consort, will be the next Empress.“

“That can’t be.”

Liliana responded immediately.

Helio had created some exceptions after he had a daughter, but before that, he had reigned as a lofty Emperor.

When he chooses the Empress, he will pick a woman who benefits the Empire and is so perfect that no one would oppose her.

No matter how much he has grown fond of her, that would remain an unchanging truth. Liliana, who had read the original story, was confident about this.

Agrina rolled her eyes at Liliana’s firm denial and then shrugged. She didn’t seem to want to engage in a pointless argument.

“Well, it’s fine. At this point, it’s also better for us if Your Highness ascends to the position of Empress on your own.“

“What do you mean by that?“

“Make me one of your close maids.“

“What…? I already have close maids.“

“The Empress two generations before had five close maids.”

Liliana was about to say she wasn’t the Empress yet but closed her mouth.

She wasn’t the Empress yet, but wasn’t she trying to become one? That was why she had accepted the Empress’s carriage from Helio without any complaints.

Seeing that Liliana was starting to understand, Agrina continued.

“Let me serve as your close maid for three years after your ascension to Empress. During that time, Your Highness must make it appear that I am your most cherished maid, even if it’s just for show.”

It wasn’t a complex request. Sophia might feel slighted, but Liliana doubted she wouldn’t understand.

What did Agrina want to do by becoming a maid? The position of an Empress’s maid was honorable, but the three-year period seemed unusual.

Before Liliana could ask, Agrina propped her chin on her hand, lost in thought.

“Who should I marry after three years? Any good ideas? I’d like to marry someone loyal to the royal family, someone who would be proud to have a wife who served as the Empress’s maid.”

Liliana widened her eyes in surprise, and Agrina looked at her with an almost provocatively playful expression as if she found her reaction adorable.

“Why are you making that face? I don’t want honor just for myself. I want to marry someone who can help my family become direct descendants and continue our title.“

“Is there no one you like?“

“You sound just like my brother. No, there isn’t.”

Liliana thought about how she had married for political reasons but was lucky enough to grow to like her husband. She believed that if she had had the chance, she would have married someone she loved.

But Agrina didn’t seem interested in such romantic notions. She rolled her eyes toward the ceiling for a moment before nodding slightly.

“Well, if I had to pick, I’d want someone I could communicate with. Someone I could negotiate with, not fight with if we each wanted something. There’s no one like His Majesty the Emperor.”

Liliana had to agree with that. Helio could be intimidating at times, but he was generally rational. As long as the other party was reasonable, he would behave logically, even if he was high-handed.

Agrina leaned forward slightly, and Liliana instinctively moved back.

“So, when can I start as your maid? I want to create the image that I’ve been with you since you were the Empress Consort.”

Liliana realized that her cheerful image of Agrina was more challenging than endearing.

Agrina still needed to stay on Liliana’s good side, so she wasn’t outright rude but certainly more relaxed than before.

“If you wish, you can start tomorrow.”

Liliana looked at Agrina and smiled gently. But then she quickly erased the smile and spoke in a scolding tone.

“While you serve as my close maid, you must be loyal to me. I won’t tolerate any insolence like what I’ve seen today.”

Agrina, showing no fear, stood up and bowed with an overly polite gesture that didn’t match her expression.

“Of course, Your Highness. I swear to be your faithful servant for our contract.”

Liliana felt dizzy at the thought of having three maids following her around, but she reminded herself that it was necessary for her to become the Empress.

Agrina smiled smugly at Liliana, who was caught between laughing and crying.

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