Side Story 3.1 – A Blessing Arrives

Three years later.

The Emperor, wanting to spend his later years in peace, abdicated and retired, and Kiserian became the new Emperor.

Along with that, Hildeltrud exchanged her Crown Princess’s crown for the Empress’s.

But only a year had passed since their coronation, and already the ministers were talking about the birth of an imperial heir.

Five years had passed since Hildeltrud became Crown Princess and then Empress, but she and Kiserian had no children yet.

Today, Kiserian frowned in the state meeting.

“Your Majesty, for the prosperity of the Imperial Family, we recommend you take a concubine.”

“It is a serious matter that there is no successor even after your marriage.”

“This could be a reason to question Her Majesty the Empress’s qualifications, so please consider it carefully.”

Kiserian looked at the ministers with a cold expression.

“To question the Empress’s qualifications is absurd. There is no problem between the Empress and me. Do not bring up this matter again.”

“But…”

“I said that’s enough. I am greatly displeased.”

When Kiserian openly showed his anger, the ministers didn’t press further. They knew any more would bring his wrath.

But that didn’t mean the ministers gave up.

“Your Grace, Minister of Finance, what do you think?”

“Didn’t you hear His Majesty’s words? The two are still in their prime. Don’t be too impatient. Or do you have other intentions?”

The ministers looked uneasy, as if their motives had been exposed.

In imperial history, it was common for the Emperor to have multiple wives, for the sake of the imperial lineage.

But Chancellor Sionel saw that Kiserian and Hildeltrud were overflowing with love. The court physician had said they were both healthy, so the birth of an heir was only a matter of time.

That’s why the ministers were impatient.

They wanted to send their daughters as concubines before the couple had a child. A prince born to a concubine could become the next Emperor.

The ministers certainly knew this.

“I have no intention of interfering in their relationship. I hope you all act wisely.”

When Sionel turned away coldly, the ministers exchanged disappointed looks.

* * *

“Your Majesty, you seem upset.”

Kiserian visited the Empress’s palace and lay with his head on Hildeltrud’s lap on the sofa.

Whenever he was in a bad mood, he would come to the Empress’s palace and rest his head on her lap.

“Stroke my hair, Hilde.”

“What happened today?”

“The ministers are telling me to take a concubine.”

Hildeltrud’s hand, which had been stroking Kiserian’s hair, paused. Noticing this, Kiserian took her hand.

“You’re upset too, aren’t you?”

“A little.”

It had only been a year since she became Empress, and already they were bringing up concubines—it made Hildeltrud laugh.

“Count Azel must be behind this.”

Count Azel had recently become head of the noble council. Ambitious, he was one of the people Kiserian was watching closely.

“He’s a man of ambition. If he gains power, it’ll be a headache.”

For now, he was satisfied as head of the noble council, but he clearly wanted to marry into the Imperial Family.

His intentions to interfere in internal affairs by sending a concubine were obvious.

“What will you do?”

“It’s about time to reshuffle the noble council.”

After Marquis Herland fell from grace, the noble council lost its center. Then, Count Azel appeared like a comet and took control.

After successfully excavating ancient ruins and amassing great wealth, he rose to the top of the council.

Now, he was openly showing his l*st for power.

But the only reason he could become head of the council was because of Kiserian and Silver Moon.

Kiserian had tipped him off about the ruins, and he seized the opportunity.

“It’s about time to shake things up.”

This was Kiserian’s way of showing he could take control of the council at any time. The council members didn’t even realize they were dancing in the palm of his hand.

“Your Majesty, please don’t worry. What the ministers were concerned about has already come true.”

“What do you mean, Hilde?”

Kiserian sat up abruptly and looked at Hildeltrud. Hildeltrud took Kiserian’s hand and placed it on her lower abdomen.

“Our baby is here.”

“What?”

“I had an examination with the court physician yesterday. He said I am pregnant.”

“Hilde…”

Kiserian held Hildeltrud’s hand in both of his, unable to hide his joy.

“I’m so happy, but I don’t know how to express this feeling in words. When did you find out?”

“I didn’t know either. My period was late, so I visited the court physician, and he said our child has come to me.”

Kiserian embraced Hildeltrud tightly.

“Hildeltrud…”

He carefully stroked her belly.

“So our baby is really here?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Hahaha. I’m so happy! I feel like flying in the sky, no, I actually want to fly right now. I must tell everyone about this…”

Hildeltrud held Kiserian’s hand.

“Your Majesty, please keep it a secret for now.”

“Why?”

“In a few days, I’m having tea time with the young ladies. I want to tell them then.”

Kiserian smiled softly and tapped Hildeltrud’s nose with his finger.

“My clever wife. So you plan to put the young ladies who were candidates for concubines in their place.”

“I just can’t stand the thought of sharing you with concubines.”

“I would have been hurt if you’d told me to take a concubine. You’re the only one for me.”

“Maybe I should have, so you could see me jealous.”

“Oh, that would have been fun. Just imagining you jealous is delightful.”

Hildeltrud teased playfully.

“Should I bring in a concubine for you then? Would you like me to be jealous?”

“No. Watching you get jealous might be fun, but I don’t want you to be hurt.”

“It was just a joke.”

“I know. I can handle this much teasing now.”

Hildeltrud hugged Kiserian’s chest.

“Your Majesty, I’m truly happy.”

“I’m happy too, Hilde.”

Kiserian swept Hildeltrud’s hair aside and pulled her closer by the neck. Hildeltrud’s lips touched his.

Held in Kiserian’s arms, Hildeltrud wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

“Kissing you always makes me restless.”

“Then, shall I make you even more restless? Come here.”

Kiserian responded to Hildeltrud’s playful provocation. Soon, the two lay entwined on the sofa, sharing a deep kiss.

Even then, Kiserian was careful not to hurt Hildeltrud’s belly.

“Hilde, if we go any further, I might lose control.”

“It’s fine if we’re gentle. The court physician said so.”

“I didn’t expect you’d discuss even that with the physician.”

“Making love with you brings me joy too, Your Majesty.”

“Then I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.”

Kiserian smiled and lifted Hildeltrud in his arms.

She rested her face against his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck.

Kiserian gently laid Hildeltrud on the bed. Making love in broad daylight felt different.

Everything was visible and clear.

Kiserian pressed his lips to Hildeltrud’s pale neck.

“Hilde, you are truly breathtakingly beautiful.”

Hildeltrud reached out and brushed back Kiserian’s red hair.

“I think that’s my line.”

Her fingertips traced his eyes, nose, and lips. Kiserian closed his eyes and, feeling her touch, bent down and kissed her again.

He parted the bed’s curtains and embraced the beautiful Hildeltrud. Soon, the silhouettes of the two merged into one.

A few days later.

In the Empress’s rose garden, tea time was held.

Hildeltrud herself had sent invitations to the young ladies.

“By the way, Her Majesty the Empress is late.”

“She must feel awkward after inviting us.”

“What do you mean, Lady Bonita?”

“Well, aren’t we all concubine candidates here? It’s not like we’re here to greet each other with a smile.”

“Lady Bonita, you’re already confirmed, aren’t you?”

“My father hasn’t said anything for sure, so I don’t know.”

“Come on, you’re the strongest candidate here. If not you, then who?”

Bonita felt pleased at the flattering words.

Her father was Count Azel, the head of the noble council. Count Azel’s influence in the council was immense.

All the invited young ladies were from families closely tied to Count Azel’s household.

“Lady Bonita, if you become a concubine, please look after me.”

“Don’t worry, Lady Melanie, you’re always on my side.”

“Of course, Lady Bonita.”

Melanie spoke to the other two young ladies as well.

“Lady Catherine, Lady Rosie. From now on, we’re basically in the same boat. Got it?”

“Please don’t include me.”

Lady Catherine replied with a haughty face.

“I have no interest in such trivial friendships.”

“Lady Catherine, that attitude isn’t ideal.”

When Melanie commented, Catherine snorted.

“There’s a saying from a distant continent. ‘Don’t drink kimchi soup before you’re given rice cake.’”

“What does that mean?”

“It means don’t get ahead of yourself before anything is confirmed. Isn’t that right, Lady Rosie?”

“I… I…”

Rosie looked down sadly.

Bonita’s eyes flashed sharply at Catherine. Just as Bonita’s father was the council’s head, Catherine’s father was also a powerful figure.

“Let’s stop, Lady Melanie. It’s not right for us to quarrel at an event Her Majesty invited us to.”

“You’re right.”

Just then—

“Her Majesty the Empress has arrived.”

Hildeltrud walked in gracefully.

Her elaborate attire made the young ladies tense.

Hildeltrud had deliberately adorned herself with extravagant decorations. Partly to intimidate the young ladies, but there was another reason as well.

“Nice to see you, ladies.”

The young ladies rose and greeted Hildeltrud.

“Please, sit down.”

Once Hildeltrud took the seat of honor, the young ladies sat as well.

“Jenny, bring the tea.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Soon, tea and desserts were served at the table.

“This is a special black tea presented to the palace. Please try it.”

Hildeltrud drank first, and the young ladies followed, savoring the taste.

The flavor and aroma were deep.

“The tea is wonderful, Your Majesty.”

“I’m glad it suits your taste, Lady Bonita.”

“Oh, how did you know my name…?”

“I sent the invitations myself. It wouldn’t be right not to know your faces.”

Hildeltrud then addressed Melanie, Catherine, and Rosie by name.

At that moment, Bonita noticed Hildeltrud’s ring and earrings. Both were made of the same gemstone and matched as a set.

“Your Majesty, forgive me, but your ring and earrings are truly beautiful.”

Hildeltrud deliberately moved her hand so the ring would be visible, and touched her earrings.

“Lady Bonita, you have a keen eye. These were personally crafted by His Majesty as a wedding gift.”

“His Majesty made them himself?”

“Yes, he’s skilled at everything.”

Bonita gazed at Hildeltrud with envy.

Hildeltrud got to the point.

“Now, I’m sure you’re curious why I invited you here. Let me explain.”

Catherine raised her hand.

“Do you have something to say, Lady Catherine?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’m sorry, but I attended today because I have something to tell you.”

“Go ahead.”

“First, I apologize for interrupting.”

Catherine took a deep breath and spoke.

“Your Majesty, I have no intention of becoming a concubine. That’s my father’s wish, not mine. I don’t want it.”

“Is there a reason?”

“I have someone I’ve promised to marry. I don’t want to betray him. Please understand.”

“I see. That’s fine.”

“Does that mean…?”

“I won’t force anyone. So don’t worry.”

Tears welled in Catherine’s eyes.

“Th-thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Now, may I continue?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The other young ladies, except Catherine, looked at Hildeltrud nervously.

“Unfortunately, His Majesty and I have decided not to take any of you as concubines.”

Their expressions changed dramatically.

Catherine was delighted, and Rosie seemed happy too. Bonita and Melanie’s faces, however, fell.

Hildeltrud stood and stroked her lower belly.

“The only reason the issue of concubines arose was because I hadn’t conceived. But now, the ministers’ concerns have been resolved. I am pregnant.”

“Does that mean…?”

“Yes, I am carrying the imperial heir. By next spring, the heir will be born. I’m so relieved. Isn’t this proof I’m not barren?”

After her marriage, when Hildeltrud hadn’t conceived, rumors spread in society that she might be barren. Hildeltrud was well aware of those rumors.

Even though Kiserian tried to control them through Silver Moon, Hildeltrud already knew everything from Leah.

Leah had become her right hand.

“Lady Bonita, you don’t look well. Are you disappointed?”

“N-no. I’m just surprised…”

Bonita calmed herself and spoke bravely.

“But, Your Majesty, you don’t know if the child will be a prince or a princess, do you?”

“Oh, you’re worried I might have a princess.”

“Yes. If it’s a princess, she has no right of succession.”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

“Pardon?”

“His Majesty said that even if my child is a princess, she will have priority in succession.”

“That’s impossible under imperial law…”

“Yes, it’s not allowed. But the law will be revised.”

“What do you mean…?”

“From now on, imperial heirs will have succession rights regardless of gender.”

Lady Bonita’s mouth snapped shut like a shell.

Then Lady Melanie spoke up.

“I don’t think the ministers will stand by quietly.”

“No need to worry. His Majesty has made a decision. Some ministers’ positions may change.”

“Change?”

“Lady Bonita’s father may step down as head of the noble council. Notices should be going out to each family right now.”

The young ladies looked at Hildeltrud in shock.

Hildeltrud smiled softly at Bonita.

“My, Lady Bonita, you must be very surprised.”

“I-I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m not feeling well. May I be excused?”

“Of course. I’m concerned for your health.”

“My apologies.”

“Please go quickly.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Lady Bonita hurried away, and the atmosphere turned heavy. It was no longer the time to drink tea.

“I suppose we should end here for today. What do you all think?”

“I agree, Your Majesty.”

Lady Catherine spoke confidently, Rosie nodded quietly, and Melanie looked flustered.

“I think I should leave first.”

As Hildeltrud rose, the young ladies followed and bowed.

“I hope next time we can enjoy tea in a better mood.”

Hildeltrud left first, and the others quickly departed as well.

Back in the Empress’s palace, Hildeltrud drank the tea she hadn’t finished in the reception room.

“You seem happy, Your Majesty.”

“How could I not be, after seeing the faces of young ladies dreaming of becoming concubines? Except for Lady Catherine.”

Leah, now Head Maid, asked curiously.

“Lady Catherine?”

“She came because her family pressured her, even though she loves someone else.”

“Then it’s good, isn’t it? You never intended to take concubines.”

“That’s right. But the other young ladies weren’t so lucky. Especially Lady Bonita’s face was worth seeing.”

“You were mischievous.”

Hildeltrud smiled and drank her tea.

Leah knew that, though Hildeltrud appeared gentle, she could be ruthless when needed.

It felt as if she could hear the sound of the young ladies’ dreams shattering, and Leah laughed.

At the same time, Kiserian announced to the ministers that Hildeltrud was pregnant.

Naturally, the ministers were stunned, and talk of concubines vanished. Kiserian then proceeded to purge the ministers.

He did not tolerate corruption, so those who crossed him paid dearly. Of course, Kiserian’s imperial power grew even stronger.

It was necessary for the happiness of the child to be born.

<Side Story Complete>