Chapter 97

97. The Perfect Empress

“The daughter of Duke Lephisto?”

“I’m talking about Shayla Lephisto, who serves as a lady-in-waiting to the Duchess of Howard.”

At Duke Tulonel’s response, Elkius let out a dry laugh. It wasn’t that he didn’t know; he just wanted to confirm if Tulonel was truly suggesting that particular ‘Shayla Lephisto.’

Elkius looked at Duke Tulonel in disbelief.

Not another woman, but Shayla Lephisto? Was this man joking with him?

Shayla Lephisto, once betrothed to Callion, was now suggested as a potential empress. Furthermore, the House of Lephisto was a prominent opponent of Elkius. Tulonel knew this well, yet it was unclear why he was making such a proposal.

“As you know, Your Majesty, the House of Lephisto is one of the most distinguished families. In terms of lineage and wealth, only the House of Howard can compare.”

“But Duke Lephisto is one of Duke Tiflis’s strongest supporters. Essentially, he is my enemy. How can you suggest making his daughter the empress? It doesn’t make any sense.”

“Duke Lephisto is an ambitious man. He supports Duke Tiflis because he believes his daughter will become empress if the Duke ascends the throne.”

“……”

“But Duke Tiflis will not abandon the Duchess. By now, Duke Lephisto must be feeling uncertain.”

Duke Tulonel lowered his voice as he spoke. Elkius, thinking of Callion, smirked.

He had long noticed Callion’s genuine feelings for Adelaide. It was no secret, as Callion openly protected Adelaide at official events. Although Adelaide might have grasped Callion’s hand out of betrayal towards Elkius, it was surprising that Callion could fall in love with a woman sent to spy on him.

“Even without considering the House of Lephisto, Shayla Lephisto is highly valuable. She is well-versed in the duties of an empress and has an impeccable lineage. She would be a great help to Your Majesty.”

The more he listened, the more tempting the proposal became. Shayla Lephisto, with her lineage, could bolster his claim to the throne, contrasting sharply with how Adelaide Conwall undermined Callion’s legitimacy.

As Tulonel suggested, there was no better match than Shayla Lephisto at this moment. But…

“Will Duke Lephisto agree?”

“Why not offer to make his daughter empress and appoint Duke Lephisto as the head of the Imperial Council. If he aligns with Your Majesty, many nobles will follow.”

“It’s something to consider carefully.”

In theory, the plan was advantageous, but it was not easy to put into action. Understanding Elkius’s hesitation, Duke Tulonel spoke cautiously.

“Time is short, Your Majesty. I suggest making the announcement before the new pope’s inauguration.”

Elkius nodded, understanding the advice to overshadow other issues with the announcement of his marriage to Shayla Lephisto.

“I understand your point. You may leave now.”

“I look forward to hearing good news.”

Duke Tulonel exited the audience chamber after his bow. Left alone, Elkius pondered Tulonel’s words.

Marry Shayla Lephisto?

It was something he had never considered. To him, Shayla was no more than Callion’s former betrothed. Though they often encountered each other in official settings, they had never had a private conversation.

A flower without fragrance: quiet, composed, and noble. That was his impression of Shayla Lephisto.

“An empress…”

Elkius had not been against the idea of an empress. Right after ascending the throne, he had considered a royal marriage to promote goodwill with other kingdoms.

But having used the promise of making Adelaide Conwall empress to gain Earl Conwall’s support, and with substantial aid from the Conwall family at the time, it was difficult to act hastily. Additionally, Rosaline Harper’s jealousy was an issue. She would not tolerate him taking another woman as his wife. If a princess sent for marriage suddenly died, it could spark a conflict between nations, making a royal marriage unfeasible.

Shayla Lephisto, however, wouldn’t engage in petty rivalry with Rosaline.

“Will she comply?”

Persuading Shayla Lephisto, who likely still harbored feelings for Callion, would be harder than convincing Duke Lephisto. Elkius decided it would be quicker to approach her indirectly by influencing her surroundings.

He left the audience chamber, heading back to his quarters, where Rosaline greeted him with a radiant smile.

“Elki, what took you so long?”

“Never mind. Just don’t bother me right now.”

“…Alright.”

Sensing his foul mood, Rosaline obediently left the room. Elkius tossed the extinguished censer out the window. To welcome an empress, he would need to distance himself from the Velido. His future wife would be a paragon of virtue and refinement.

“A proper gift for a proposal…”

Elkius thought about an appropriate gift for his prospective empress and opened the nightstand drawer. Rifling through the messy drawer, he frowned.

“Where is it? I left it here.”

Annoyed, he shouted.

“Rose! Rosaline!”

Startled by his booming voice, Rosaline rushed into the chamber.

“Elki? What’s wrong?”

“The ring that was in this drawer—did you take it?”

“The ring, weren’t you going to give it to me?”

“Bring it here now!”

Startled by the sharp command, Rosaline hurriedly fetched the ring. He roughly snatched it from her.

“Don’t you ever touch my things without permission again.”

“I’m sorry, I just…”

“Get out.”

At the merciless order, Rosaline’s shoulders drooped as she turned away. Her retreating figure irritated him more than usual today.

‘It seems I’ve been too lenient with her.’

Elkius muttered to himself, clutching the ring.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜

“That’s a beautiful color.”

The Duchess of Howard suddenly spoke to Shayla, who was knitting. The half-finished scarf made of azure yarn was almost done.

Shayla, who was diligently knitting by the sunlit window, looked up.

“They say this color is in fashion this year.”

“It will suit Callion well.”

Shayla blushed, her intentions laid bare.

“I’m making it for you, My Lady.”

“Do you think you can fool me with such a lie?”

“It’s true.”

Shayla protested, putting down her knitting with a look of injustice. The Duchess of Howard burst into hearty laughter.

It was obvious that the thick yarn and wide scarf wouldn’t suit a lady, but she insisted otherwise.

“I prefer bright colors, so give that to Callion and make me another one later.”

“…Yes.”

Shayla answered quietly and resumed her knitting. The Duchess of Howard watched Shayla’s nimble fingers for a moment before lowering her gaze.

The book on her lap had been open to the same page for an hour. Though open, the words didn’t register.

Since hearing about the Emperor’s sudden visit that morning, her mind has been unsettled. Already anxious over the Duke of Howard’s blatant opposition to the Emperor, the news only heightened her unease.

“My Lady, His Majesty has arrived.”

“I understand.”

At the butler’s announcement, Shayla stood up. The Duchess of Howard took Shayla’s hand and headed to the reception room. Elkius, pacing in the reception room, turned his head at the sound of their approach.

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

“How have you been, Sister?”

Elkius’s gaze landed on Shayla as he greeted them. She lowered her eyes and then raised her head slightly. Her face was more tolerable than he remembered.

As Elkius took a seat on the sofa, Shayla helped the Duchess into her chair. The maid brought tea, and Shayla brewed it herself, her graceful movements as smooth as flowing water. As the Duke of Toulon said, she had the demeanor of an empress.

Pretending to lift his teacup, Elkius observed Shayla closely as she handled the teapot. With her calm and gentle nature, she wouldn’t be as troublesome as Adelaide or Rosaline.

Shayla spoke respectfully, hands clasped together.

“Please have your conversation, My Lady.”

“Very well. You may leave.”

She quietly exited the reception room. The sound of her dress rustling was the only noise; her footsteps were so light they were nearly inaudible.

‘Not bad.’

No, she was more than just ‘not bad’; she was the perfect candidate for an empress. Elkius smiled with satisfaction.

“I heard you weren’t feeling well. Are you better now?”

“Ah, the Duke of Howard upset me so much I fell ill.”

“…I didn’t know. I’m not informed about outside matters.”

“Of course. I don’t blame you, Sister, so don’t be uneasy.”

There was a hidden sharpness in his calm reply. The Duchess of Howard suppressed a tremor as she sipped her tea.

“Why didn’t you summon us to the palace instead of coming here?”

“There’s something I need to discuss and someone I wanted to see.”

Elkius placed a familiar box on the table. It was the ring she had given to the Emperor to save Callion.

“Isn’t this the ring I gave to Your Majesty?”

“Yes. I brought it because I have someone to give it to.”

“Someone to give the ring to?”

“I intend to propose to Shayla Lephisto.”