Chapter 16

Diana realized something was amiss a few days after the social gathering had ended. During that time, she had pieced together information about the young ladies she met at the event to select candidates.  

Of course, she had repeatedly asked Evan to verify the information about the young ladies, but every time, he insisted on trusting his capable aide. Eventually, Diana gave up on everything and decided to handle it herself. Normally, this matter would have been discussed by the elders or ministers of the Imperial Family, but in the current Imperial Palace, there was practically no one who could recommend a candidate for Evan’s Empress.  

Afterward, Diana sent letters regarding the selection of the Empress to each of the chosen families. Only after sending the very last letter did she finally feel a sense of relief. Now, all that was left was to wait patiently for replies. But Diana’s plans were shattered.

“Replies already came back?”

Diana was taken aback when she saw the letters returning almost as soon as she sent them. Not just one or two, but every reply arrived astonishingly fast. And their contents were all the same.

“And why are they all refusals?”

It felt as if she had sent poison instead of letters. Each one was filled with fear of becoming Empress, and all insisted they had no interest in such a position. Diana soon discovered the reason.

“Senior Aide! Did you hear? Apparently, H-His Majesty and Lady Christine…!”

“Yes, I heard just a moment ago.”

Neil, looking quite startled, rushed into the office, panting for breath. Diana, who had also realized the situation, nodded helplessly.

“It’s spread throughout the entire Imperial Palace. Thanks to that, I know exactly what rumors are circulating.”

At the same time, she understood why all the young ladies had refused the selection for Empress.

“So, are those two really lovers? Are they getting engaged?”

“Nonsense. Of all the rumors I’ve heard in my life, this is the least credible. No wonder the refusals came so quickly. With rumors like this spreading… By the way, what’s that paper?”

“Oh, this? I did a little research on the rumors circulating in the Imperial Palace, just in case.”

Neil approached Diana, holding out the paper from his pocket.

“There are many stories, but the one about the Christine Marquisate’s social gathering is the most talked about.”

“Social gathering?”

“Yes. Apparently, His Majesty suddenly showed up at that event, and even went to meet the Marquis himself. In fact, it seems that among the young ladies, there was already talk about Lady Christine and His Majesty being lovers.”

“Ah, so that’s why…”

Diana recalled the events of the social gathering. There had indeed been young ladies asking her about the relationship between Sophia and Evan. With the situation already like that, Evan’s sudden appearance at the gathering had only cemented their suspicions.

“And His Majesty meeting the Marquis in person must have been for the engagement! For the next Empress of the Empire!”

“…….”

“That’s why there are so many testimonies from servants who saw the two together. There’s even talk that His Majesty secretly called Lady Christine to the parlor. Isn’t this enough to make their relationship seem real?”

“No, absolutely not.”

Of course, Diana did not believe such an absurd rumor.

“I swear on my retirement, it’s not true. So calm down. You never do the investigations you’re supposed to, but you’re great at these, huh?”

“But the circumstances are just too perfect. His Majesty really did go to the Marquis’s mansion, and he’s not one to move around so easily.”

Certainly, anyone else would misunderstand the situation. That made it all the more problematic. Diana had a very uneasy feeling that these ridiculous rumors wouldn’t disappear anytime soon.  

No, the bigger problem was elsewhere.  

What Diana feared most was the state of Sophia and Evan, who were surely hearing all these rumors at that very moment. Especially if Sophia decided to assassinate the Emperor over this, Diana doubted she could stop her.

“Anyway, get rid of that paper quickly. If Sophia sees it, there’ll be chaos.”

“Does she dislike the rumor that much?”

“Of course. You know how scary Sophia can be.”

The Marquis’s mansion must be in complete turmoil right now. What to do? She should probably go check on things, just in case. Otherwise, the Empire’s future…

“L-Lady Christine!”

Just then, the office door opened and Sophia appeared. Neil, who saw her first, was so surprised he stuttered. Diana was no different; she jumped up from her seat as soon as she saw Sophia.

“S-Sophia!”

“…….”

“You came to the Imperial Palace? I was actually planning to visit the Marquis’s mansion after work today…”

Sophia looked just as she always did. In fact, the lack of any change made Diana even more anxious. She couldn’t even guess what might be hidden behind that calm face.

“It’s fine. I wanted to come to the Imperial Palace anyway.”

“…Really? Why?”

“I have some business.”

Approaching Diana, Sophia picked up the paper on the desk—the one Neil had just researched.

“Hmm, so this is the rumor spreading in the Imperial Palace? That I’m His Majesty’s lover? Secretly sharing love in the garden?”

“…….”

“Who investigated this?”

As a superior, Diana valued her subordinate’s life. She hurriedly snatched the paper from Sophia’s hand and tore it up without mercy.

“No one investigated it. It must’ve gotten mixed in while organizing documents. Ugh, how did such nonsense end up in the office… Neil! What are you doing? We have a guest, bring some tea!”

“Y-Yes!”

With Neil hurriedly escaping outside, only Diana and Sophia remained in the now quiet office. Diana began to watch Sophia’s expression carefully.

“So… what brings you to the Imperial Palace today, my friend?”

“Why else? I came to find the true culprit behind that ridiculous rumor.”

“…And after you find them?”

“As long as they’re alive, they won’t be comfortable in the Empire.”

“Wait, wait.”

At this rate, she really might overturn the Empire. Diana shook her head.

“Try to calm down first. I know how angry you are, but you can’t really find the culprit behind the rumor. You know that. The young ladies already suspected you and His Majesty, and then His Majesty happened to visit the Marquis’s mansion. So many servants saw it. Are you going to interrogate every single one?” 

With so many people present, it was nearly impossible to identify a specific culprit.

“So just wait for now. Of course, it’s hard right now, but a rumor is just a rumor. If time passes and you don’t get engaged to His Majesty, people’s interest will fade.”

“…….”

“So for now, avoid meeting His Majesty where people can see you. If you really need to talk, tell me. I’ll pass it on to His Majesty.”

Even under normal circumstances, those two shouldn’t be left alone together, and with these rumors, it was best for Diana’s peace of mind if they kept their distance.

“So just consider today as meeting me, and go home for now. Staying here won’t help your mood. I’ll escort you.”

“…….”

“Okay? Let’s go.”

Seeing Sophia a bit calmer, Diana seized the moment and quickly led her out of the office.

“I’ll visit the Marquis’s mansion as soon as I finish work. We’ll talk in detail then, alright?”

She worried Evan might be in the hallway, but thankfully, he wasn’t. However, Diana did run into someone. It was a very familiar young lady she’d met at the social gathering.

“Uh…”

The young lady was startled by Diana’s sudden appearance and stepped back. But that wasn’t all. Seeing Sophia being led out by Diana, she began to tremble.