Chapter 42
The brothers were alike, yet different. Where Theseus had a single-minded nature that walked only the proper path, Lionel often displayed a quick wit that found shortcuts before anyone noticed. And the shortcuts Lionel discovered were, for the most part, paths that Theseus—lord of the ducal house—could not easily tread. A representative example was his acceptance of the current aide position.
“Anyway… please return safely, young master.”
The butler murmured words no one could hear like a prayer, then turned away.
＊ ＊ ＊
Meanwhile, at the Empress’s Palace.
Empress Adelaide, saying she liked the cool autumn breeze, had thrown open every window and lay languidly against the couch as though it were part of her body, lazily wiggling only her feet. It was a sight Madam Giggs had never once seen while serving the late empress, yet it suited Empress Adelaide in a strangely natural way.
That she suited the appearance of a tyrant steeped in debauchery, wandering in a drunken haze—such a thought could never be spoken aloud. Of course, no other careless words could be directed at the empress either.
As the household had not yet been fully replaced, most of the maids in the Empress’s Palace were people placed by Dian. However, Dian had been unable to obtain any particularly useful information from them. The reason was simple: the maids were afraid of the empress.
It wasn’t so much fear born of the empress committing violent acts, but something closer to a biological, instinctive dread. Even if a tiger lay lazily with its claws and fangs hidden, who could say when it might suddenly bare them, pin your nape to the ground, and tear you apart?
The empress rarely spoke a single word to the maids, yet whenever they scurried about at work, she would stop all movement and stare at them intently. That yellow gaze was too intense to ignore. Looking into those golden eyes set in her pale face, one could not help but harbor the vague suspicion that a ferocious beast had disguised itself as a human.
“She’s watching us.”
“She’ll find out if we report this to the palace lord.”
Adele, glancing sideways at the maids who bustled about like frightened rabbits, constantly watching her mood before leaving, closed her eyes. Even for her, keeping track of every little movement happening before her was no easy task.
“Has the number of times the maids run to the Ivory Palace to report what goes on here decreased?”
It was a sudden question, yet Madam Giggs answered immediately, as though she had been waiting for it.
“In the past week, no one has visited the Ivory Palace.”
“Well, I suppose so. There hasn’t been much to report anyway. If anything, the only noteworthy incident was last night.”
The empress frowned sharply, displeased even as she spoke.
“Your Majesty.”
“Speak.”
“It is not yet time to stand against His Majesty the Emperor.”
“Do you think I should not have refused the wedding night?”
“…I apologize. However, you know it is something you cannot avoid forever, do you not? Moreover, there is the risk that the backlash from it may be directed at Your Majesty.”
“……”
The empress said nothing. She neither rebuked her for overstepping nor told her to stop, merely remained lying there. Not wishing to disturb the empress’s thoughts, Madam Giggs quietly left the room. A dark shadow settled in the old woman’s eyes.
Then, moments later, the sound of unfamiliar footsteps echoed down the hall, snapping the old woman out of her reverie. Turning her gaze, she saw a man walking down the sunlit corridor, instantly commanding attention. With elegant composure, she turned and bowed lightly in greeting.
“Welcome.”
Lionel, summoned by the empress, had arrived.
＊ ＊ ＊
Adele, who had been sprawled languidly, quickly straightened up when she heard that Lionel had arrived. No matter how casual she might be, she could hardly greet a visitor while lying down.
“Let him enter.”
At her concise command as she faced the door head-on, the maids opened it.
Since every window in the room was open, a gust of wind rushed in the moment the door opened. And within that surge of wind appeared Lionel, dressed in a neat, formal suit.
Adelaide was no longer lying down, but neither was she sitting properly upright. She greeted Lionel while leaning comfortably back against the plush sofa. It was an informal posture, yet it felt special—because she was smiling enchantingly, her long eyes curving like crescent moons.
As her red lips traced a graceful arc, even the nearby maids drew in sharp breaths. Wearing a smile capable of ensnaring hearts, the empress greeted him in a tone as fresh as the autumn breeze.
“Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you, Lionel.”
The maids, momentarily spellbound by the empress’s smile, ended up gaping openly. Even Lionel, who had already known she would speak to him informally, held his breath at the gentle voice that pierced his ears. He bowed politely and quickly composed his expression.
“Your Majesty.”
When he finally raised his head, his face appeared calm.
“Shall we prepare refreshments?”
At the maid’s cautious question, Adele looked at Lionel.
“I’ll have tea.”
Catching the unspoken question at once, his answer prompted Adele to speak lightly to the maids.
“Bring two cups of tea and something light to eat.”
Even as they bowed and withdrew, the maids kept sneaking glances at the two of them. Before long, rumors without legs would begin spreading like wildfire.
Once the maids had left and only the two remained, the empress folded her arms and asked,
“Does my lack of formality make you uncomfortable?”
“Didn’t you say you would speak casually?”
After briefly studying Lionel’s expression, Adele unfolded her arms and said,
“It’s a relief to see that you don’t seem bothered by my informality.”
“I’m not bothered, so please don’t worry.”
“I like that straightforwardness.”
At that moment, the maids returned quietly, set the refreshments on the table, and left. Yet neither the empress nor Lionel spared even a glance at the beautifully arranged spread.
“Now then, shall we talk a bit?”
With words gentle yet tone cool and resolute—a way of speaking that deftly blended elements difficult to mix—the empress tilted her head. When their eyes met, Lionel reflexively lowered his gaze.
The empress was the sort of person who sharpened one’s nerves. Whenever Lionel faced her, his senses grew taut to the limit, focused entirely on her. He steadied his restrained breathing, then lifted his head again.
Fortunately, the empress was lifting her teacup. Lionel calmly observed her.
It had not been long since news spread that the supplementary budget for the Empress’s Palace had been rejected. Given how humiliating the matter was, he had half expected to meet an enraged empress, yet she had not lost her composed demeanor.
Still, all of this must have been born of fierce rationality. Lionel tightened his resolve again, refusing to relax in response to the empress’s casual attitude.
Meanwhile, Adele too observed Lionel through the steam rising from her teacup. His strikingly handsome face was rigid, and his posture equally stiff.
“Lionel.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Did Duke Baldr send you here?”
At the sudden question, Lionel answered at once.
“No. I applied of my own accord.”
At his flawless reply, Adele paused briefly before continuing.
“You must have asked the duke.”
“Yes.”
“And he gave his permission?”
“……”
When no answer came, Adele waved her hand and quickly amended the question.
“In any case, if you had Duke Baldr’s approval, it would be reasonable to assume that your will and that of the ducal house align. Is that a fair assessment?”
At the question that cut straight to the core, Lionel replied respectfully.
“Yes, that is correct, Your Majesty.”
At the clear answer, the empress curved her long eyes into a smile. She took another sip of tea, set the cup down, and continued in a casual tone.
“My patience was wearing thin for three whole days—during the interviews.”
“……”
Lionel did not take his eyes off her face.
“During the interviews, there was a fool who tried to slice an apple, yet couldn’t even cut what truly mattered. While I was berating myself for having done something pointless, Madam Giggs told me there was one last applicant.”
The one who couldn’t even slice the apple was truly ridiculous. Recalling it, Adele let out a soft snort of laughter.
“And then you appeared. Very suddenly. Anyway, the reason I’m telling you all this is—”
“……”
“I wanted to say that I am very satisfied with you as my aide.”
Staring as though she meant to pierce straight through Lionel’s dark blue eyes, the empress enunciated each word slowly. The word satisfied flew into his chest and lodged there deeply. Lionel stiffened completely.
“Let’s get along well, Lionel.”
