Chapter 9 – Part 3

“Your Majesty, the nobles are clamoring for an end to the war.”

Just before bed, Laviela, dressed in an elegant slip, bit her lip and lowered her voice.

There was no news of a child and nothing much to gain from the war anymore—these days, Laviela was furious.

Even in this moment, she had to glance around nervously, gauging Javier’s reaction.

“The war won’t end.”

“And what if the palace is overthrown? What then?”

“Empress, haven’t I told you to leave it to me? Soon, something entertaining will unfold; just watch.”

“How many times have you said that? I entered the palace believing your promise to make my future child the crown prince instead of Ailon. You’ve given me nothing substantial!”

Laviela thought back to the battle a year ago, biting her fingernails.

She never expected Ailon, the Emperor’s only child, to return alive.

The enemy had all the information, and the Emperor hadn’t been monitoring the war—that was the perfect opportunity.

‘He should have been killed then.’

Since coming to the palace, Laviela had never shown any signs of pregnancy.

She was young and healthy, so it was obvious the problem lay with the aging Emperor.

But she refrained from mentioning this. There was no benefit in wounding the Emperor’s pride.

Suppressing her bitter expression, Laviela shed crocodile tears.

Laviela was an illegitimate child of the Marquis of Horté, known as a famous courtesan, before catching the Emperor’s eye.

Since entering the palace, she has had only one goal.

To maintain power even after the old Emperor died.

For this, she could feign affection for a man with his days numbered, no matter how humiliating the nights might be.

“Empress, if you cannot conceive, it’s your fault, not mine. If you could at least get pregnant, that might change things. Stop nagging.”

Laviela suppressed her rising anger. A single slip of the tongue could see her expelled to the Empress’s Palace.

Fortunately, Javier didn’t say more and reclined on the couch, sipping wine.

Laviela sighed deeply and raised her voice.

“Do you think I’m doing this for my own good? Don’t you realize how many want to overthrow our dynasty? If you knew, you wouldn’t just sit there.”

Javier scoffed.

“This dynasty won’t fall over trivial matters. There’s still time.”

Laviela wondered how he could say there was time, with his age approaching sixty. She was tempted to peer into his mind.

Steadying herself, Laviela sidled up to Javier and whispered.

“Do you really not know about the rumors of rebellion?”

“What?”

Javier stopped mid-drink and looked at her.

“I hear that Crown Prince Ailon has been close to Duke Davis since childhood.”

“You think I wouldn’t know that?”

Of course not. Every noble in the capital knew.

Laviela pretended to know nothing; her expression was one of worry.

“Recently, I heard from my confidant that young nobles in the capital are plotting something centered around those two. Aren’t you worried?”

“Empress!”

“It’s true! Whatever your son is planning, there are such rumors. Crown Prince and Duke Davis, together!”

Javier grabbed Laviela’s glossy hair roughly, bringing his face close to hers, his eyes blazing.

“Do you know what you’re saying?”

Meeting his gaze, Laviela maintained her feigned concern.

“Yes, I know. But you need to hear this to understand reality.”

“Listen, Empress, nothing will proceed unless you conceive. You’re quite good at talking back.”

His mocking tone momentarily hardened Laviela’s expression, but she quickly masked it.

She had no issues with conceiving. Medically and otherwise, this was a proven fact.

The problem was the old Emperor’s body, but his pride would never accept that.

The absurdity of his words calmed her bitterness. Smiling slyly, she embraced him.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying. I am carrying your heir now.”

“What?”

The shocked Emperor stood and looked down at her.

Laviela smiled softly and she hugged him again.

“You can call the royal physician now if you want. It’s already been confirmed. Even the High Priest assured me it’s a boy.”

“……”

“Your Majesty, Javier, just keep your promise.”

‘Dismiss Ailon and make our child the Crown Prince.’

Laviela, her eyes gleaming with ambition, showered him with kisses.

“Heh, I can’t resist you.”

“You know I can’t win against you. Please, don’t be so harsh. I’m about to cry.”

Though no tears welled in her eyes, Javier pretended to be fooled.

“Alright.”

With that, they kissed again.

They moved to the bed, their clothes discarded.

Soon, animalistic sounds and wet noises filled the room.

The mute chamberlain, standing like a decoration at the door, lowered his head further.

“By the way, do you know Ailon’s aide, Johannes?”

After some time, while enjoying the afterglow, the Empress casually brought up the topic.

“Of course. The Johannes family has served the royal family for generations.”

The Emperor, lazily stroking her pale shoulder, replied.

“I hear he’s the one gathering the young nobles. Even meeting foreigners in these times… It’s terrifying.”

“Who reported that?”

“Megan Hale, the former commander. No one else is as loyal to the royal family. Others only look down on or covet the throne, which worries me.”

The old lion’s eyes darkened.

Laviela did not miss this moment, though she pretended not to notice, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a deep kiss on the cheek.

Ignoring the bright red mark left on his cheek, the Emperor laughed heartily and grabbed the Empress’s b*ttocks.

“Don’t worry about it anymore. I’ll handle it.”

“Finally, you’re taking action?”

“Yes. As I said, once there’s an heir, I’ll cut off my son from before without hesitation.”

Laviela smiled as if relieved.

Of course, she knew from countless attempts that she couldn’t bear his child. But she held the only card she needed.

As long as she could bear a son, she was prepared to endure anything.

Hiding her dark intentions, Laviela smiled sweetly and nestled back into the Emperor’s arms.

* * *

Evan was traveling in a carriage for a long time. Recognizing the familiar scenery outside the window, he sensed they were nearing the Imperial Palace.

Baron Vanessa, who accompanied him, also looked quite weary from the long journey.

“Joseph, how much longer?”

“About an hour, My Lord! You’ve endured well. We’re arriving just in time for the meeting, so you can handle your business quickly and return.”

Evan chuckled at Joseph’s eagerness to please him, contrasting his earlier desire to stay at the palace longer.

“Hmm, didn’t you want to stay a few more days?”

Baron Vanessa, who had been resting his eyes, asked, raising an eyebrow.

Joseph gave a hesitant smile and bowed his head.

Baron Vanessa gazed at the distant palace with a faint smile.

“We’ve finally arrived.”

Evan furrowed his brows at the Baron’s words, concerned about any potential recklessness that might endanger Anne.

“What are your plans once we arrive?”

“Usually, I’d meet with other nobles.”

“Don’t.”

“Yes, I don’t plan to. I declared I’d stay quiet this time. I’ll attend the nobles’ meeting and listen to the agenda. Is that sufficient?”

Evan nodded in response.

“Remember, if necessary, I’ll step in. The Baron should lay low for now.”

If the Baron made a move, it would draw attention to his daughter Anne, creating potential enemies.

Evan wanted to avoid any situation that could put Anne in danger.

“Of course, I will.”

Both Baron Vanessa and Joseph had already sensed Evan’s intentions, so they silently complied.

Satisfied with their responses, Evan finally stepped out of the halted carriage. After two days of camping, the surroundings were peaceful, far from the front lines.

However, Evan remained vigilant as he entered the palace.

“I will guide you to a drawing room to wait before the meeting.”

Evan nodded slightly at the servant’s words. As he took a step forward, another servant approached Baron Vanessa.

“Please follow me, Baron.”

The baron chuckled at the dry tone of the servant.

“Wouldn’t it be fine to share the same room with the Duke?”

“Of course.”

“You must use separate rooms. It’s the rule.”

There was no such rule. Evan could guess who had set this ‘rule’—it was likely one of the Emperor’s whims before the meeting.

Evan almost sneered but instead smiled and nodded to the Baron.

“Rest well.”

“I’ll see you soon.”

Evan watched the Baron, with his head held high, follow the servant, then muttered quietly.

“So, the Emperor wants to see me?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Lead the way.”

With a stoic expression, Evan followed the guide. As they walked through the gilded corridors, childhood memories resurfaced.

The path was all too familiar. He had played here as a child and walked this route, fulfilling his duties as a duke.

“Your Majesty, Duke Evan Davis has arrived.”

“Enter.”

As the door opened, Evan saw the Emperor, now with a considerable amount of white in his beard.

Standing with a benevolent expression and his hands clasped behind his back, the Emperor looked much like he did in Evan’s childhood. Beside him stood Ailon Terossa.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes. Was the journey difficult?”

“Not at all.”

Evan walked slowly, glancing at Ailon, who remained as expressionless as ever.

Next to him was Conor Johannes, always smiling. It was shocking to think of him as a traitor.

The Emperor’s stern voice broke the silence.

“I’ve been hearing about your accomplishments, Evan. They’re rather unsatisfactory.”

Evan bowed his head at the words, clenching his jaw.

“I have no excuse.”

“Hmm.”

Javier, resting his chin on his hand, scrutinized Evan. His overly composed demeanor was irksome.

“Do you remember what kind of people I dislike the most?”

“…….”

“Useless people. Those who do not bring me any benefit. But above all, you know what kind I despise the most, don’t you?”

Evan’s expression hardened at those words.

‘Young Master Davis. Do you know what kind I despise the most?’

The much younger and more violent Emperor had once said the same thing to Evan, who was then just a boy.

‘Those who oppose me. Those who do not follow my words and harbor ulterior motives. Yes, like your father.’

Shortly after that conversation, Evan had killed his father with his own hands to become the Duke of Davis.

In this situation, there was only one thing Evan could say.

“My loyalty to Terossa is unwavering.”

The Emperor smiled meaningfully at Evan’s firm declaration.

“For Terossa, it sounds like you’d do anything.”

“…Of course.”

“Duke Davis, I’ve never doubted your loyalty. Don’t worry unnecessarily.”

Evan laughed internally. This conversation was a warning. A reminder that his leash could be tightened at any moment. And it seemed the Emperor had an inkling about who held his leash.

He should have been more cautious. Evan bit his lower lip.

“Father….”

Ailon, who had been silent, reacted slightly. The Emperor’s eyebrow twitched.

Noticing this, Evan spoke firmly.

“It is a natural attitude for the prosperity of Terossa.”

“Is that so? There are rumors of those who dream foolishly in times of chaos. Haven’t you heard such rumors?”

“Not at all.”

A hearty laugh filled the room.

“I see. If you say so, as an elder, I must believe you, shouldn’t I?”

Evan bowed his head without a word, and the Emperor, looking bored, returned to his seat.

Deeply reclining on his throne, he waved a dismissive hand at Evan.

“Alright, alright. You may go now. My business with you is concluded.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”