Chapter 56

56. The Qualifications of an Empress

The Duchess of Howard’s house was old-fashioned and modest. It was smaller than the Earl of Cornwall’s, but from the entrance to the interior, there was nothing that was not luxurious.

The same was true of the workers. Even the humblest of servants carried themselves with the poise and grace of a well-educated nobleman.

Adelaide straightened her back unnecessarily as she watched the butler walk ahead of her.

The butler stopped in front of a handsomely decorated wooden doorway. He knocked on the door and heard a bell tinkle inside. It was the signal to enter.

“Please come in.”

Adelaide paused in the open doorway, took a quick deep breath, and stepped into the room. The Duchess of Howard was reading a book with her glasses on.

There was only one chair at the table where the Duchess sat. There was a couch in the center of the room, but Adelaide couldn’t tell if she was allowed to sit on it, so she remained standing stiffly.

She could hear the sound of a bookshelf being flipped over in her strained ears. She knew he was deliberately ignoring her, but Adelaide waited patiently.

‘You don’t have to be so childish.’

To summon Adelaide meant accepting her proposal. So, the current attitude was merely resistance to acknowledging that she had been persuaded by Adelaide’s words.

Adelaide realizes this and is not offended.

After a few moments of silence, the book closed with a bang. The Duchess of Howard removed her glasses and looked up at Adelaide.

“Have you read this book?”

“It’s a favorite of mine, as it portrays the human side of Roman Isulandt, the hero of the Empire.”

Adelaida replied smoothly. The book titled “Tears of Steel” was a novel depicting the story of Roman Isulandt, the second emperor of the Empire.

“In that case, you must understand why Emperor Roman Isulandt had to give up his wife to ascend the throne.”

Adelaide bit her lip at the Duchess Howard’s words.

Before the first Emperor founded his empire, Roman Isulandt had a beloved wife. The emperor wanted to pass the empire on to Roman, the most qualified of his four sons, but he hesitated because of his daughter-in-law’s lack of background.

When Roman’s wife found out, she left her husband of her own accord, and Roman married the woman the emperor recommended, ascended to the throne, and laid the foundation of his empire.

According to one story, Roman Isulandt never forgot his departed wife until the end of his life and kept a handkerchief she had made for him.

After her death, he went to her grave every year to pay his respects alone.

“You are a clever child, and you know what I am about to say.”

The Duchess of Howard rose from her seat and moved to the couch. Adelaide sat down opposite her with a heavy look on her face.

“I have nothing more to desire.”

“…….”

“I have enjoyed all the privileges of being a member of the royal family, and I have enough wealth and honor. Whether someone else becomes emperor and rules the Empire, it won’t affect me in the slightest.”

‘No, that’s not true. If things continue like this, next winter, you will lose your life at the hands of Elkius’s men.’

Adelaide’s lips parted slowly, then closed. The Duchess of Howard continued.

“But others won’t feel the same way.”

“…….”

“As I pondered, I realized that many nobles who followed the late Emperor had died. There’s no need to look far. If Duke Howard hadn’t gone down to his estate, he would have suffered as well.”

His sister, the Duchess of Howard, knows best that Elkius is not cut out to be an emperor.

When Elkius became emperor, he dismissed the prefects and replaced them with his own people.

He doubled taxes, pushed out the slums, and worsened relations with the neighboring kingdom in the name of increasing his army. All in just three years.

“The empire Callion will inherit will never be whole. And you think that’s okay?”

“Before it gets worse, I’ll hurry. His Grace is more than capable.”

“……Yes. As long as it’s Callion.”

The Duchess of Howard smiled faintly.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said. You are not wrong. I have never stood up for Callion.”

“…….”

“I don’t know what I, an old man, can do to help him.”

“Suffice it to say that his aunt is on his side.”

“What’s so difficult about adding a few words?”

The Duchess of Howard fell silent.

“I have sent word to the Duke of Howard, and he will be on his way to the capital soon.”

The Duke of Howard’s influence, as a relative of the Imperial family, is greater than that of Duke Lephisto’s, and it would be a great boon to Callion if he were to join the Imperial Council.

“Thank you, My Lady.”

Adelaide bowed deeply in gratitude. But before she could lift her head, a chilling voice rang in her ears.

“On one condition.”

“Please, go on.”

“You must leave Callion.”

“…….”

It was a condition she’d guessed from the moment Duchess Howard had mentioned Roman Isulandt. Adelaide knew it was true. But she couldn’t bring herself to answer.

When Adelaide hesitated, the Duchess of Howard spoke again.

“Do you know that Shayla will meet Callion today?”

“…I saw her before I came.”

“Yes. And you know what a connection they have. Shayla is a child from another world. Every time the late Emperor saw her, he said she would become the perfect Empress.”

Her mouth went dry. Adelaide nodded nervously.

“The Empress is not simply the Emperor’s wife; she is also someone who can elevate the Emperor’s status and a political ally who can solidify his position.”

“I understand.”

“If you understand, then you must also know that you’re not suited to be an empress.”

“…….”

Adelaide slowly closed her eyes. Through her closed eyelids, she could see Callion’s form. The touch on her forehead seemed like a distant memory.

A hot breath hollowed between her lips, and she forced herself to open her mouth.

“Give me time.”

“Do you have a grudge against Callion?”

“No, I do not, but I still have things to do by his side, so please wait until I finish them.”

The Duchess of Howard fixed Adelaide with an unflattering gaze. She suspected she might have other plans, but even if she didn’t leave of her own accord, she would never be Empress.

Knowing that fact well, it was inevitable to hold on to some lingering feelings.

“Can you keep that promise?”

The Duchess of Howard asked again. Adelaide nodded reluctantly with a sorrowful expression. It wasn’t a response that brought any joy.

The atmosphere softened as the Duchess of Howard comforted her in a milder tone.

“Don’t be so sad. The title of Empress is not given to just anyone.”

“……Yes.”

⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜

“Adelaide Cornwall is not worthy to be Empress.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, Callion’s expression hardened. Shayla swallowed dryly, feeling the tension rise.

For the first time in her life, Callion looked scared, his formal gentleness gone. But she wasn’t about to back down. Shayla Lephisto smoothed the hem of her robe.

“I’m not trying to insult her. I’m simply stating that she’s not suitable to be the empress.”

“By what right do you say that?”

“Consider it my advice as your longtime friend and fiancée.”

Callion held back his anger, remembering that she was the daughter of the Duke of Lephisto and the sister of Lucid Lephisto. Understanding the silence as acceptance, Shayla continued calmly.

“The empresses of the Empire have always been princesses from other countries or daughters of noble families. Especially when the emperor’s position is unstable, he welcomes a powerful empress with a solid background.”

“…….”

“Even with many loyal families swearing allegiance, there’s no relationship as trustworthy as blood or marriage ties.”

Moistening her lips with lukewarm tea, Shayla took a shallow breath.

“Since His Grace made a difficult decision, the importance of the empress will only increase. Fortunately, His Grace didn’t choose an empress, but if he were to welcome a powerful empress, it could tilt the balance in one direction.”

Callion frowned at the political and calculating remark. There was no way Shayla would think this. She must be passing on what she’s heard from someone else.

“And many nobles who have not yet sided with His Grace suspect her as the emperor’s spy.”

“Is that the Duke’s word?”

Callion questioned her sharply. Shayla’s eyes wavered visibly.

“No. Everything that happened today was because I-.”

“I take it; that means the Duke won’t help me if I don’t make you Empress.”

“Your Grace.”

Shayla’s voice rang through the parlor. Her normally calm face flushed.

“I don’t mind if it’s not me, but not her. Even if you become emperor with difficulty, there will be backbiting about you because of your empress.”

“Anyone who would gossip because of her would not be on my side in the first place.”

“When you ascend to the throne, all those who followed the emperor will be eliminated. But you’re going to leave her alone? Do you believe that’s possible?”

Tears pooled in her bloodshot eyes. Callion regretted not turning down Shayla’s request for a visit.

“That’s something I have to worry about, not something you should interfere with.”

“Your Grace…….”

“And I’m not going to abandon her for people who look at my background and decide whether or not to get in line, not for what I am capable of doing.”

Not wanting to say more, Callion shook his head and stood up.

“Please leave.”