Chapter 19_Not Right

It’s hot.

He drank it too quickly.

The attendant, not knowing this, hurriedly replaced the tea with another and returned to his place. He seemed to think the Emperor grimaced because he didn’t like the taste of the tea.

For heaven’s sake.

“It’s really delicious.”

Bellita’s voice, bright and clear as a nightingale, came through as she smiled radiantly.

This isn’t good.

Bellita should be the one flustered. He felt he could enjoy the tea only if she showed that side of herself.

“Bellorong.”

Bellita’s expression suddenly turned red.

Goodness, what did the Emperor just say? Oh my…

Remembering that moment during the sick visit, her face grew even redder.

“I’d like to hear another song next time.”

Not understanding the Emperor’s intention, Bellita pursed her lips cutely at his words.

Another song? Is this part of the Empress’s duties too? 

She wanted to argue but didn’t have the courage yet.

“I’ll prepare one.”

The Emperor’s eyes subtly narrowed in disappointment at Bellita’s unflustered response. This wasn’t what he had hoped for when he teased her.

“This time, a duet. A song we can sing together.”

Feeling it was unfair to be the only one embarrassed, she came up with a plan. If the Emperor had to participate, he might change his mind.

The Emperor calmly took another sip of tea and then stood up. Staying any longer wouldn’t benefit him. He didn’t like Bellita’s composed demeanor. It was supposed to be him. He almost missed her flustered state.

“In that case, how about practicing a dance?”

Ugh. Bellita’s pretty eyes crinkled. She declined. She was terrible at dancing. She couldn’t understand why he wanted to see her mess up even more, and her eyes narrowed.

The Emperor found this side of Bellita slightly pleasing and nodded faintly.

This is a bit better.

“Enjoy yourself.”

Leaving Bellita alone, the Emperor’s gaze regained its strength as he exited the room. This would be recorded. It was the longest conversation he had ever had with Bellita. And it had been quite pleasant, except for the slightly odd direction it had taken.

The Emperor’s face grew more serious as he headed to his study. He was worried that his thoughts might be correct.

This is…

Not right.

It might not be true. She had gone through countless men, and now she might be looking for the next one… No. The thought that she might consider him as the next partner complicated his mind.

***

“A gift from Grand Duke Kuro Benoit.”

Duke Santino’s face, which had been grim, brightened instantly.

With a blood-stained bandage around one ear, he looked terrible. The atmosphere in the Duke’s mansion was as tense as walking on thin ice. Fortunately, it seemed this ordeal was coming to an end. The Duke’s servants were almost grateful to Grand Duke Benoit for the first time.

“Oh my, what is all this…”

Seeing three strong servants carrying something heavy into the mansion, Duke Santino’s mouth split into a wide grin. Then, feeling the pull on his torn ear, his face scrunched up again.

“It’s the finest wine from Benoit. Here’s a message from the Grand Duke as well.”

Sending three barrels of such precious wine!

Duke Santino was overwhelmed with emotion and hurriedly opened the letter given by the servant.

[Get well soon. It’s lonely without you. Grand Duke Kuro Benoit.]

Gasp! Grand Duke!

Duke Santino covered his mouth with his hand, overwhelmed with emotion. It seemed the Grand Duke recognized that no one else could replace him. This self-sacrifice turned out to be beneficial. Even the throbbing pain in his torn ear seemed to lessen.

Seeing the Duke’s face brighten, the servants made the sign of the cross over their chests in relief.

Meanwhile, Kuro had different thoughts. He had sent the grand gift intentionally to create a misunderstanding. It was a soulless gesture to solidify his power, knowing that Duke Santino, who loved to take the lead, was desperately needed. Additionally, Santino’s information network was highly regarded in the empire.

Unaware of this, Duke Santino, humming happily despite his torn ear, felt as if he had already secured the next Grand Duke’s position.

***

“Are you that happy?”

The nanny, sensing something, cautiously asked Bellita while closely observing her expression. The nanny’s sharp eyes couldn’t be fooled. Seeing Bellita nodding with a smile and dimples appearing on her cheeks was proof of her genuine happiness. The nanny’s eyes glinted sharply.

Bellita had every reason to be happy. She was increasingly confident that she wouldn’t die if things continued this way.

To aid digestion, she strolled through the wide palace grounds with her maids. Her steps were lighter than ever. It was a good start to the day.

“You need to meet Sir Baltz Jenson shortly.”

Suddenly, the bright sunshine disappeared. She really didn’t want to meet him. 

Could I skip it?

Seeing the nanny’s face, she knew there was no way out. Since it was a promise she had made herself, she had to at least pretend.

Sigh…

Not only did she have to meet people inside the palace, but also those outside.

Meeting a stranger was an ordeal.

“Greetings, Empress.”

Approaching the table set up in the third courtyard, a man greeted her warmly.

Sir Baltz Jenson. Though he looked pale and somewhat sickly, his smiling face made him seem like a carefree loafer. A case of being born to the right parents.

“You are always beautiful. My eyes are blessed for the first time since birth, Your Majesty.”

He’s trying hard.

Flattering her, that is.

Bellita knew well about her natural beauty. In fact, since her reincarnation, she had avoided mirrors. Being in an unfamiliar situation, seeing a strange and unfamiliar face directly would not be good for her mental health, so she had avoided it.

Even without looking in the mirror, she knew her body was attractive. But the words men said to her were always overly sweet. Like drinking a bottle of olive oil in one go. Ugh.

Olive oil might be good for the body, but this… it’s useless.

“But why here? I thought you would invite me to your bedroom, Your Majesty.”

Baltz, subtly puffing out his chest to show off his muscles, looked outrageously bold. An empty-headed fool. His name would be easy to remember: Brazen Baltz.

Seeing Baltz’s dissatisfied expression at meeting in the open courtyard, with maids waiting a bit away, Bellita shook her head. She had been a problem herself, but the men clinging to her were worse.

“Have you finished your tea?”

She had deliberately served lukewarm tea, thinking it would take longer to drink, thus ending the meeting quickly.

Baltz, with a look of understanding, nodded once. He even nodded decisively, trying to appear manly.

Thinking that tea time was just the beginning and that the real session was about to start, Baltz stood up abruptly, ready to head to the Empress’s bedroom.

“Then, goodbye.”

Baltz’s expression was priceless. He looked not only dumbfounded but also as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped on him.

“I can’t promise when we’ll meet again. Goodbye.”

Without hesitation, Bellita turned and walked away briskly.

Baltz, who had been standing speechless, finally came to his senses as he watched the Empress’s retreating figure. This made no sense. It had taken him a year to get a private audience with her. He had flattered and fawned over her to secure this promise, and now it was over after a quick cup of tea? His father would kill him for this.

[Seduce the Empress who loves men. You’re capable enough to do it. For the immense power and influence we’ll gain from the Pellon Kingdom, dedicate yourself to this task.

When the Emperor dies, the Empress will be sent to the Pellon Kingdom. She will likely become the Queen there. So, impregnate the Empress.

Since Pellon is a vassal state that listens to us, I will use my influence to make you the Queen’s consort. Your life will blossom. So, eat well and build your strength to achieve this great task.]

He had been confident that he was almost there. Recently, the Empress had subtly checked him out, lingering her gaze between his legs. She had whispered in his ear with warm breath, promising to meet again soon, filling him with excitement. He had been sure the great task would soon be accomplished.

Though he had been slow-witted and received all kinds of scolding from his father, as he grew and his appearance and body improved, he regained his father’s attention. He had taken his father’s command as his life’s mission, but now things had changed.

Baltz couldn’t move his feet. Returning home now would mean being deemed useless and getting thrown out. He decided to leave on his own terms and hurriedly walked away somewhere.

***

“A letter has arrived from the Pellon Kingdom stating they will send twice the amount of military supplies and provisions for this expedition compared to last time.”

The Emperor, sitting in his study, nodded as he listened to Dein.

As expected. Wise move.

They must have heard that Bellita’s life was spared and wanted to show their gratitude. The King of Pellon must feel wronged. Having a daughter who behaves like that… No.

Actually, it’s become ambiguous to say such things these days. It doesn’t seem like she’s frolicking with men as before. There’s even a joke in the palace that the Empress’s Palace has turned into a convent.

“Your Majesty?”

Dein’s voice snapped the Emperor back to focus.

“Tell them to send three times the amount.”

A smile crossed Dein’s face. 

As expected of His Majesty. 

He then continued to list the soldiers and supplies being sent by other countries to the Emperor.

While listening to Dein, the Emperor continued to ponder.

Could it be…