Whose Child Belongs to the Emperor - Chapter 5 - Part 6

Chapter 5 – Part 6

“Shall we have another child?”

As Leonard descended the stairs, he thought about it. The sensation of their lips meeting was still vivid.

Although they had spent many nights together, due to Tenere’s shyness, she didn’t initiate kisses often. No, except for that night, it was the first time.

‘We need to go back to the palace, get a nanny, and then…….’

The firstborn was a son, so having a daughter for the second would be lovely. Leonard imagined a child who dearly resembled Tenere. He even imagined Tenere, carrying a swollen belly, wobbling around.

But such futile imagination didn’t last long. A child doesn’t come out of a tree, and how can I put a tiny person, whose head is about my chin, through childbirth again?

The succession was already secure with Josie. Wanting to bear more children was merely greed.

Leonard walked for a while, arriving at the garden. It was evening, with no moonlight, but the light from the mansion’s glass windows illuminated the spot where the office was located.

“Samuel Travell, greetings to the Emperor, master of the Empire.”

“I heard you were looking for me, Grandfather.”

Samuel often invited Leonard to his estate. As he didn’t frequently visit the capital, whenever Leonard was in the region, he wanted to spend as much time as possible.

“The person confessed. They say they received instructions from Marquis Salvatore. But it’s only a statement, so there will be plenty of loopholes.”

“Salvatore will soon face consequences for his involvement.”

“The Duke of Salvator will soon die of an untimely death,” Leonard said as if it didn’t matter.

From the time Tenere was in the palace, he had been pushing her to abdicate. If left alone, he would undoubtedly try to harm her and his son again.

Whether he was his father or not, he could not overlook someone trying to harm the succession of the imperial family.

Samuel cautiously asked, “You’re not going to tell the empress…… anything?”

“Is there a need to mention something that will be resolved soon?” It was an unnecessary conversation.

He didn’t want to lay out disappointing words, speculating whether Beatrice, whom she particularly admired, might have a child with someone other than the Emperor or whether he might not be of imperial blood after all.

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

Samuel Travell nodded. He smoothly changed the topic.

It was a discussion about issues such as the frozen lakes and the indigenous people outside the territory, the new academy being built in Avila, and related matters. The conversation between the two continued unnoticed in the night sky.

‘They’ll be waiting’

Leonard occasionally took out his watch. He hadn’t told her to go to bed because he thought he’d be back soon. Should he send a servant now, even though it’s late?

“Your Majesty.”

Perhaps sensing that he was not fully engaged in the conversation, Samuel stopped talking. Leonard finally raised his head. It was the moment he was about to explain.

“I heard you took the Empress on an inspection.”

Samuel didn’t point out that he was thinking of something else, but just bringing up the topic of the Empress was enough to convey his intentions.

“I rarely come north, so it’s just an outing. It wouldn’t be strange for the Emperor to go on an inspection with the Empress.”

“You haven’t even had the ceremony yet.”

Samuel said it politely. Leonard remained silent.

“I heard that Your Majesty brings flowers to the Empress every day and that you also indemnify Lord Evan.”

“It’s necessary for the sake of the Crown Prince.”

The Empress’s family had to be supportive enough not to threaten but to be helpful to the imperial family.

It was reasonable for the Empress’s brother to have a title that was not a mere decorative honor.

So, Leonard made a rational and logical decision.

Not swayed by personal emotions but for the sake of the Crown Prince and the imperial family.

“I apologize, Your Majesty, but is that all?”

Samuel’s gaze was as sharp as a well-forged sword. He didn’t bring up this conversation just for Eric’s exoneration.

The way Samuel looked at Leonard was like a young man in love. His gaze was always directed towards Tenere, and whenever she smiled, he would smile as well.

Gaze, tone, touch, and action.

Every time he saw him, the image of his predecessor, who was deeply in love with the empress from a foreign country, came to mind.

“She is my Empress and the one who gave birth to my child. There is no reason to treat her harshly.”

“I don’t mean harshly, Your Majesty.”

Samuel said, trying to soothe.

She’s not an empress yet, and if it’s just for the sake of appearances, it’s enough that you share the same room.”

“It’s too much now. Regardless of how you feel, you should be careful in front of others.”

He hadn’t even returned to the palace yet, but if he continued to show this behavior, rumors of his predecessor’s ghost would undoubtedly spread among the people.

Samuel didn’t want everything the Emperor had worked so hard to maintain to collapse. But, naturally, of course, Leonhard was not pleased with his advice.

“If you felt the same way about the Emperor, it wouldn’t be so hard on my grandfather.”

“…….”

It was a casual look, but Samuel knew that Leonard resented him. He remembered clearly that he had done nothing at the Duchy of Travell when Beatrice had been treated badly by the Emperor.

“Even if the Emperor has been so harsh, my daughter has been well taken care of in the palace.”

“You mean by allowing her to be ignored by her handmaidens?”

“They were all punished and driven away by Beatrice. His Majesty even approved.”

“…….”

“My daughter said she would endure everything. So, I followed the child’s words.”

Samuel also remembered his daughter’s life as an empress.

When the marriage proposal came from the imperial family, Beatrice, who was delighted, lost her vitality as soon as she entered the palace. She couldn’t even do her beloved embroidery, and she endured the Emperor’s coldness alone.

But she still smiled when asked if she was okay. So, Samuel Travell kept quiet about how his daughter, who was receiving the Emperor’s disdain, looked.

The Emperor was a cold person, and he was afraid that if his daughter left his sight, it would have an impact on the family.

“It wouldn’t have made any difference if I told you I wasn’t okay.”

“My father has more important things than my happiness anyway.”

These were the voices he’d heard when he realized what she’d done when he’d asked her why she hadn’t told him.

Samuel couldn’t argue with that.

And now she’s dead, and he’s just a failed father serving her only son. It was indeed ridiculous to make such a statement on such a subject.

“The Emperor had no choice but to do what he had to do to consolidate his power.”

“A petty imperial power that is strengthened by treating the empress poorly would be better off falling apart.”

“Your Majesty”

Samuel sounded surprised, but Leonard didn’t care.

He vividly remembered his mother secretly wiping away his tears.

It’s okay, she said, so don’t hate the king.

Her voice was sweet, as was her habit, but she couldn’t hide the redness at the corners of her eyes.

In retrospect, she should have. What else could she, the daughter of a duke and empress, say but that she was fine?

Leonard resented his maternal grandfather for believing her so readily.

“The Emperor was merely redeeming the errors of his predecessors.”

Samuel spoke up, looking like a loyal servant advising a hedonistic emperor.

It wasn’t just the content of the words that was disturbing; it was the fact that they were coming from a maternal grandfather who had been a bystander.

He’s offended that he’s still defending the Emperor when he’s the one who allowed his daughter to suffer for the sake of the family.

“I’m just trying to make up for my father’s mistake.”

“Your Majesty.”

“You don’t have to be deliberately cruel to the Empress to keep her in line, and there’s no reason not to give the woman who gave birth to the Emperor’s son what she wants.”

Leonard’s words were firm, causing Samuel to narrow his eyes.

“Is that what you desire?”

“It’s the best way, isn’t it? Since love is something you can’t see or touch, you just need to make her feel that way.”

Somehow, the words sounded a bit odd, as if he didn’t love her but pretended to.

“Are you deceiving her?”

Samuel asked, a bit perplexed. Leonard raised the corner of his mouth, looking at Samuel.

‘If she wants wealth, I will give her wealth; if she wants honor, I will give her honor; and if she wants love, I will give her love. That’s enough to keep her tied. If it works,

A rustling sound came from somewhere, as if the wind were blowing. Leonard spoke again.

“I gained an imperial son who shares my blood, and she is getting what she desires as well. In the end, no one will lose.”

“But…”

“I am the result of how my father treated my mother and grandfather.”

Hearing this, Samuel fell silent. Both of them knew how significant it was if it was revealed that the person in the position wasn’t of royal blood. It would tarnish the dignity of the imperial family, and the authority firmly established by the Sun Emperor would be shaken.

Therefore, Leonard didn’t think he had made the wrong choice. Every time he saw her blush and smile when he professed his love, even if it wasn’t true, wouldn’t it become the truth if he dreamed of it until he died?

Whispers of love, kisses, and doing things she liked without restraint.

“Since I didn’t treat her so dearly before, there won’t be any difficulty in pretending to be lovers now.”

“But, Your Majesty.”

Leonard concluded firmly. Seeing his composed face, Samuel couldn’t find words to say.