Whose Child Belongs to the Emperor - Chapter 5 - Part 5

Chapter 5 – Part 5

James Paul, the capable manager of the palace, couldn’t hide his surprise. Before him were the former empress and the child, who looked so much like Emperor Leonard.

While he had heard about the Emperor meeting the former Empress and Crown Prince in the North, seeing them face-to-face like this was a first.

He recalled a woman he had glimpsed at the academy some time ago.

‘I thought she just looked similar… How could someone be so oblivious? ‘

However, bringing up that story now would only make him seem ignorant, even in front of the former Empress.

“Your Majesty, Empress, and Crown Prince, I am James Paul, in charge of the establishment of the academy.”

“James?”

Tenere looked a bit surprised. When the Empress suddenly called him by name, James became a bit flustered. He bowed slightly.

“Do you remember me?”

“Of course. Weren’t you involved in the expansion of the library before?”

“Thank you for remembering.”

James said with gratitude, but in reality, Tenere only vaguely recognized him from various palace events where she had seen his face.

The reason she hesitated was that the name sounded familiar to her from village life.

‘It’s a good thing Eric didn’t come along.’

If he were here, he would probably burst into laughter at the coincidence.

Tenere finished his brief greeting and looked back at Leonard. He watched them with a strange expression on his face, but when his eyes locked with hers, he smiled and took her hand.
His large, firm hand was warm despite the northern chill.

* * *

“Exoneration?”

Tenere asked in surprise.

The two of them, after returning from the inspection, changed into indoor clothes and were now in the room together.

Leonard, watching Josie put coins into a small hole, turned to Tenere.

“Isn’t it natural? Not only did he promptly report the rebellion, but he’s been protecting you and Josie, so it’s only fair that I repay him.”

Eric was allowed to inherit the title because of his promptness in reporting his father’s treason. It was a single, non-heritable title, and Leonard was offering to pardon him and keep the Marquis of Evan’s name alive.

“Wouldn’t that be too soon? We haven’t even had a ceremony, and the procedure is…….”

“I’m the Emperor, what’s the use of such procedures?”

“…”

“Removing unnecessary burdens is beneficial for both you and Josie.”

“But…”

The influence of the Empress’s family would play a significant role in supporting the Crown Prince in the future. Hence, it was only natural that she should be granted exoneration after the birth of her child. However, Tenere worried that Leonard might be pushing himself too hard for her sake.

“I thought you’d be happy.”

“Just your concern makes me happy enough, but giving my brother immunity before Josie’s first official birthday in the palace feels like rushing things…”

Leonard, though reluctant, nodded.

“Alright, we’ll proceed with exoneration after Josie’s birthday in the palace.”

“Thank you, Leon.”

The two of them found a compromise, and not long after, there was a knock on the door. A servant entered, pulling a small tray with something on it.

“I brought what you mentioned, Your Majesty,” the servant said.

“Thank you.”

Tenere looked at Leonard with a puzzled expression. “What is this?”

“Open it and see.”

Leonard seemed both expectant and somewhat awkward. Tenere cautiously lifted the lid, revealing fresh strawberries in a basket.

“What is this…?”

“I asked Lord Evan, and he mentioned that you wanted to have them when you assumed your position.”

Tenere’s eyes widened at the unexpected gift of fresh strawberries in the winter.

“He said it was being grown in the greenhouses at the Duke’s castle, so I asked my grandfather for some, and it doesn’t seem to taste too bad. I told him to prepare them for dessert tomorrow.”

Leonard picked up one of the large strawberries and popped it into her mouth. It was too big to eat in one bite, so she bit into it with her front teeth, savoring the sweet and sour juice.

“Is it enough to make you happy?”

“It’s more than enough. But you don’t have to go to such lengths.”

Tenere spoke with slightly pursed lips, looking a bit embarrassed.

“I’m sorry for not being able to show you Josie’s growth all this time.”

“That’s my fault.”

“It seems like I’ve only been receiving from you all this time.”

Every time Leonard expressed love and showed a good fatherly side to Josie, Tenere felt both joy and guilt. She thought she had separated father and son due to unnecessary misunderstandings.

“If I hadn’t run away hastily, I could have shown you more moments. You could have been there when he opened his eyes, drank milk, turned over, crawled, and took his first steps.”

“Seeing you both happy is all that matters to me right now.”

Leonard took a strawberry and handed it to Josie. The large strawberry had to be held with both hands.

Tenere carefully got up, and Leonard held a handkerchief under the child’s chin.

“…Leon.”

At Tenere’s soft call, Leonard turned his head.

Tenere approached him gently, her heels making a soft sound as they touched the ground. She then kissed him. It was a brief moment, but the warmth that suddenly approached made Leonard blink in surprise.

Tenere looked at him with a surprised face, then turned away as if embarrassed.

“This is all I can offer.”

The reddening of her cheeks caught Leonard’s eyes.

“That’s more than enough.”

It was a moment of tranquility.In this peaceful room with Tenere and Josie, where all the real-world problems felt optimistic,.

Leonard wiped the child’s face with a handkerchief, but just then, a knock was heard. The awkward yet soft atmosphere was shattered as a servant entered.

“Your Majesty, Duke Travell, wishes to meet you.”

The servant seemed to be aware that he was an unwelcome guest and was cautious.

“Is it urgent?”

Leonard didn’t want to disturb this pleasant atmosphere.

No, he didn’t want to leave Tenere alone in this mood.

Seeing that the servant sensed the Emperor’s discomfort, he bowed his head respectfully without answering.

Tenere quickly held on to Leonard.

“Hurry back. You should meet him; you won’t meet him often when you go back to the palace.

“But, Tenere, you…”

“You can see me every day now.”

With a gentle laugh, Tenere held Josie. “Daddy will come back after greeting Grandpa.”

“Daddy, Baba.”