Chapter 32_Is She Interested in the Emperor?

“It must be difficult to enter the Empress’s Palace these days.”

“I heard all requests for permission are completely denied. How did you manage?”

“Did you really get into the Empress’s Palace?”

“I haven’t seen anyone go in recently…. Unless you climbed up the wall, it would be impossible.”

Even though they were unsure, the two Dukes’ tones were still filled with mockery.

They were mocking, just like with Baltz. Regardless of who it was, the remaining two would seize the opportunity to ridicule. The three Dukes, although united for now, were always subtly undermining each other in front of Grand Duke Kuro Benoit as they each coveted the Grand Duke position.

“There are ways.”

Though he didn’t climb the wall, he did go up through a secret passage hidden in the wall, so it was somewhat accurate.

“Last night, unlike someone’s son, I was warmly welcomed. We had a very special time.”

Kuro quietly swallowed his saliva. 

Really? 

If this was true, it would be another serious betrayal after the incident with Emur. As always, Kuro perfectly hid his true feelings behind a mask.

Due to the matter with his son Baltz, Duke Jenson’s face instantly turned sour.

Duke Santino’s smile grew even more triumphant.

“It seems I am a special person to Her Majesty. I went straight to her room.”

Of course, he went straight through the secret passage. They wouldn’t know unless he told them.

The Santino family originally amassed their wealth through imperial palace construction work. Therefore, the only person who knew even the secret passages in the palace designs passed down through generations was him. It was a secret passage, after all.

As expected, the faces of the two Dukes changed completely. They had tried to suppress him, but it backfired.

How dare you mess with me when you can’t even compete!

Duke Santino’s face became even more confident.

“Then… why were you soaking wet….”

These pesky servants.

Because they had all planted spies, the three of them knew almost everything about each other. The two dukes seemed determined not to let go of what they had bitten into, like wild dogs. They were grinding their teeth. Duke Santino put on a relaxed expression, masking his true intentions.

“Her Majesty was taking a bath, and she pulled me into the tub….”

Hahaha. He even let out a slightly awkward laugh. While they were surprised, their faces turned red, which Duke Santino enjoyed watching.

They weren’t imagining what had happened; they were just frustrated that things hadn’t gone their way.

Everyone who should know already knew that the Empress enjoyed men in bizarre ways. So, they couldn’t pick on it any further. They wouldn’t dare confirm it with the Empress. It was very satisfying.

Duke Santino’s face increasingly bore the expression of a victor. However, Kuro’s eyes watching him grew narrower and sharper.

***

“You seem to have gained some weight.”

What an impolite thing to say to a lady.

Bellita’s eyes narrowed at the Emperor’s comment as she was on her way to practice riding. It seemed he noticed she had been eating well while dining together. But to say such a thing to her face, how could he be so thoughtless?

“Are you feeling very comfortable these days?”

Living as Bellita was still uncomfortable. Though, it was true that she felt a bit more at ease than at first. Except for the man who barged in last night.

“I’m just relieved that I can finally make a full circle without falling off.”

He had a knack for mocking her.

Despite the ache in her body from all the practice, he belittled her efforts as mere ‘barely.’

Still, she was satisfied with this level of progress, so she decided to be generous and let it go. She wasn’t a child, after all. He always mocked her.

Pouting, Bellita rode the horse alone, slowly making a lap around the wide garden. Running was still too much for her. Even riding a bit faster made her feel nauseous. She envied how Kalik could ride swiftly, cutting through the wind.

Oh… oh?

The horse that was walking well suddenly shook its head and flapped its ears. Bellita, who was frightened, lost her balance on the horse.

Thud.

She didn’t fall to the ground…

…but into the Emperor’s arms.

She was grateful that the Emperor quickly ran over to catch her. At times like this, he even seemed kind. His tongue was sharp, but his actions were sometimes like this.

Why does he keep being nice to me?

Does he have another scheme?

With his help, Bellita got back on the horse and glanced at him sideways.

“Maybe I should ride a gentler horse.”

This horse wasn’t particularly rough, but it wasn’t gentle either.

Kalik chuckled inwardly. This wasn’t the first time she slipped off and fell into his arms while riding well. She seemed to know he would catch her.

Who does she think she’s fooling?

Well, if she wants to do this, there’s no reason to stop her. 

He had discovered that he enjoyed playing along with her little schemes. She seemed to enjoy coming closer and then pulling away. Still, there was one thing he and Anton agreed on. She really acted like someone riding a horse for the first time. Even if it was an act, she was very dedicated to it.

Moreover, her progress was slower than others. This was hard to understand. If she just wanted to fall into his arms, there were less strenuous ways than riding a horse.

Is confusing people part of Bellita’s strategy? 

Making him keep thinking about her.

Whatever the case, he could see she intended to stay close to him, which made the Emperor pleased.

***

“How can I repay this grace of inviting only me secretly?”

Overwhelmed with emotion when Grand Duke Kuro Benoit called him to the mansion, excluding the other two Dukes, Duke Santino flattered him excessively. With the finest wine and this treatment, the Grand Duke position was surely his. Duke Santino was ready to grovel if the Grand Duke asked.

“I have something I’m curious about. You just need to answer.”

“I will answer anything. Just ask.”

“How did you get into the Empress’s room?”

Kuro asked directly. He had been dying of curiosity.

“This is a secret known only to my family, and it must not be disclosed to anyone else. But….”

Duke Santino realized this was his chance, seeing the Grand Duke so desperate.

“I will tell only you, Grand Duke. So don’t forget my contribution. Will you promise?”

An opportunist.

Kuro knew this, but his mouth was dry. He had no choice as he was in a hurry.

“Do you still not know my heart?”

Kuro wanted to discard all three of them. But now, he needed to coax him to get the information.

Satisfied with the response, the Duke detailed the palace design of his family. Kuro’s eyes widened.

“There is only one secret passage for escape leading outside the palace. Only I know about it.”

He had kept such vital information to himself? This wretched man.

“Why did you keep such a thing secret until now? Even from me.”

Duke Santino’s confident expression cracked. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go.

“I was saving it for an important time, like now. What would I keep secret from you, Grand Duke? Everything I have is yours.”

He immediately groveled, hinting that he wanted the Grand Duke position in exchange for this information.

Kuro decided to overlook it for now for a greater cause.

“Thank you. So, what did you talk about with the Empress?”

This was what he was more curious about. 

Had the Empress ever met Duke Santino? 

Kuro couldn’t recall a single instance. He had heard he was eating all kinds of food that were good for vitality. 

Was it because of the Empress?

“Well… we didn’t talk much…”

Duke Santino started thinking quickly. He had bragged in front of the two Dukes earlier. He couldn’t bear the shame of telling them the truth. But…

“We barely… ha ha ha… had time to talk.”

Though it was true, this could be interpreted differently. Duke Santino decided to tell the truth to the Grand Duke. This Grand Duke was skilled at detecting lies. If he made a mistake, he would lose trust. Embarrassment was nothing compared to that. Duke Santino just had to grit his teeth and bear it.

“In truth… I have had relations with the Empress several times, but yesterday, though I met her, she rejected me. She seems to be interested in Emur or the Emperor lately. She’s being fickle.”

Kuro’s disdain for Belita, who used a secret passage for such trivial pursuits, deepened. Sharing a woman with his loyal subject was appalling.

However, he decided to forgive Duke Santino for now, as he had provided valuable information. At least Duke Santino was useful, standing up to the Emperor and providing information.

Bellita wasn’t fun anyway. She had too many demands. Always wanting things for herself. There were plenty of women who could please him. Kuro pretended to forgive generously, hiding his true feelings behind a smile filled with trust, making the Duke feel good. But inside, he was boiling with anger.

Damn Bellita! I thought she would call me secretly, but she rejected me too!

Not only did she run away with Emur, but she also looked at me like a stranger when we accidentally crossed paths.

That shameless woman! She must remember our contract, yet she acts so brazenly!

Kuro wanted to confront her, but he couldn’t even enter the Empress’s Palace, driving him crazy. Seeing her act like this, he needed to revise his plan. First, he had to deal with more urgent matters. The palace design… Kuro’s smile grew more satisfied.