News of Emperor Kazan Tinilath of the Osivia Empire's search for a new wife spread widely.
Given his unwavering devotion to the Empress thus far, this had caused quite a stir.
Was he finally tired of the Empress?
“It's possible… is he still standing upright and posing?”
“Maybe he wants to start grooming a successor seriously.
There has been no news about that yet.”
“Oh, then maybe there's a chance for my daughter too.”
“I have to call my family.
My younger sister is still not married.”
Many nobles coveted the position of empress.
Although Kazan rose to power through rebellion, the elimination of his relatives, and his rise as a tyrant, he was a man who swept the continent and consolidated the empire to such an extent that he was hailed as a great conqueror.
Despite his ruthless nature, anyone who stood at the pinnacle of power with his own strength coveted the position alongside him.
But their imaginations did not last long.
Within days, an imperial decree arrived clarifying the situation.
[Geoffrey Logeiten's illegitimate daughter, Runelia Logeiten, is welcomed as an emperor's wife.
No other women will be accepted, and all requests for future marriage proposals are prohibited.]
Many lamented the simple and obvious announcement, yet nodded their heads.
Brunelia Logeiten, who had stolen the hearts of many nobles, was recognized as a worthy candidate in the eyes of the Emperor.
With her rich red hair waves, confident turquoise eyes, eyes turned upward like fox eyes, full lips, and perfectly curved figure, she was undoubtedly an attractive woman to anyone who laid eyes on her.
But the problem arose from her somewhat naive upbringing as the illegitimate daughter of a high-ranking noble.
“Now that it has come to this, I will be under your care from now on, Your Majesty, the Empress.”
Ysaris found herself speechless when she faced Runelia's impudent smile.
Although she ignored her minor violations of the Code of Conduct, Ronelia's attitude towards her left her speechless.
The problem wasn't just her condescending tone, it was ridiculous for her to pretend to be friendly towards Yasaris when she was in close contact with Kazan at this moment.
Although she did not like Kazan, her eyes, which looked superior as if she had the upper hand, bothered Yasiris.
What kind of attitude would a potential consort of a not-yet-ascended empress have to show toward the empress?
Yasiris turned her gaze to her husband, who was linking his arm with Runelia's.
Her red eyes twitched slightly as she looked at him with an unspoken rebuke, wondering if he really should bring along a woman whose beauty he seemed only interested in?
“Didn’t Ronelia ask to be under your care?”
For a moment, Yasiris did not understand Kazan's words.
She blinked slowly, then asked with a face of disbelief:
'Are you urging me to answer?'
Shall we not point out the impudence of the noble woman?
Kazan ignored her surprise, and clasped Runelia's hand with his other.
With a soothing gesture, he gently patted her while sending a cold gaze towards Yasiris.
“Yes, I am.
So please, greet her Empress, let’s not waste any more of our time.”
“Don't be so harsh, Your Majesty.
The Empress deserves some time to get used to us.”
“But Ronelia, ignoring you is no different than insulting me.”
“Your Majesty...”
Yasiris listened to their conversation with a sense of disbelief and suddenly realized.
This man… he had feelings for Ronelia Logitin from the beginning.
The fuss over the ring was just an excuse to bring her here.
I sighed in disappointment.
Instead of feeling different feelings towards him, she felt the bitterness of betrayal, injustice, and anger.
If only attachment could be transferred so easily.
If his feelings were as fleeting and light as falling in love with a beautiful, young woman, what would all the tragedies that Yasiris had experienced so far have led to?
What about people who sacrificed themselves?
Who will compensate her for the misfortunes that befell her and them?
Yasiris felt a surge of emotions, and wanted to scream at Kazan.
The years she spent dealing with his whims and whims were like sharp thorns sticking out of her past.
“I have nothing to say to someone who can't even show basic manners.
Anyway, I'm not a VIP, so don't bother with superficial greetings.
Just enjoy your time with him.”
“Empress”
Yasiris ignored Kazan's summons and got up from her seat.
No, I tried that.
If not for his cutting comments.
“It seems that the Empress is not at all afraid to easily defy the Emperor’s orders.”
Yasiris walked away without taking a single step, and bit her lip, her clenched fist trembling with tension.
I stood still.
I felt contempt for Kazan, because he resorted to such threats over such a trivial matter.
It was unfortunate that she found herself in a situation where she couldn't even leave the room at will.
But what can she do?
There are still things you need to protect.
Yasiris breathed deeply.
Unable to control her expression, she spoke in a deadpan voice instead of turning to face them.
“I will be under your care as well, Ronelia Logitin.”
Having finished her duty, Yasiris stepped forward without hesitation.
This time, she was not detained until she was out of their sight and left the room.
Yasiris had no intention of meeting Runelia again.
Although she would inevitably have to face her when she was officially appointed as Empress the following month, she had no desire to forcefully maintain a good relationship with her.
The same was true for Kazan, as she already hated this man, and didn't care about anything he did with Runelia.
The only bright spot from that day was that Kazan's steps, which had been steadily following her, suddenly stopped.
Instead, I heard rumors here and there that he was busy visiting Runelia every night.
While she was thinking about living like a mouse, someone interrupted her.
“Oh my God, Your Majesty!
I didn’t know flowers would suit me so well.”
“Ronelia, that's enough.
It's a shame to call yourself only the embodiment of the Flower Fairy.”
“You embarrass me with such words...”
Yasiris felt dizzy as she watched the couple outside the window.
Who would have thought that she would see Kazan in such a state in her lifetime?
Not only was he wearing a crown on his head, but he was personally placing it on a woman's head as well, as if he wouldn't shed a drop of blood even if he was pricked.
Unable to bear the scene any longer, she closed the window and drew the curtains.
Finally, the faint sounds of conversation were drowned out.
She couldn't understand why they had chosen to stroll in her private garden, of all places, when there were so many other scenic spots within the vast palace grounds.
And doing so is blatantly visible from her bedroom window.
When Yasiris looked out the window, she remembered the look of Runelia she had met earlier.
Although she wasn't entirely sure because of the distance, the clearly smiling face, which seemed to be showing off something, stuck uncomfortably in her mind.
It didn't matter much.
I ignored it, trying to forget it.
If only she hadn't been forced to get involved with them more.
“Your Majesty, the Emperor has ordered that you join him for lunch starting tomorrow.”
“Why?”
“Not specified”
“…Will Ronelia Logiten accompany us as well?”
“Yes”
“I can't refuse, can I?”
“I can pass on your message, but...”
“No, forget it.
Just tell them I'm going.”
Their forced meal together was the first of many.
Even though she stayed until the end, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by seeing the two of them talking so intimately.
She barely ate anything, putting her utensils away as she watched their affectionate behavior.
'It seems neither of you are thinking about my agenda.'
“Rejecting Runelia’s invitation wouldn’t be a good idea.”
“I will get ready right away”
She couldn't refuse tea-time invitations, which happened several times as well.
“You seem to really like the Empress, Ronelia.
You have visited her many times and even invited her to tea.”
"I brought the tea leaves that I heard Your Majesty enjoys.
The weather is beautiful today.
How about spending some time outside, even if it's just for a moment?"
While listening to the meaningless chatter, Yasiris remained silent, feeling a lump forming in her throat.
Despite only having tea, I felt nauseous afterwards and skipped dinner.
“What a coincidence!
Does Your Majesty wander around here often?”
“I didn't expect to see you here, Ronelia.”
“I mentioned my love of reading, and then Kazan… Oh, His Majesty granted me instant access, right?
I already feel like an emperor’s wife.
Although there are still a few weeks before I officially enter the palace.”
When confronted by Ronelia in the royal library, Yasiris felt truly angry.
To Yassaris, her boast that she had a “husband” who was nothing special seemed ridiculous and amusing.
Their repeated attempts to show affection were funny and ridiculous.
Yasiris responded with an appropriate amount of shrug and turned away, but Runelia's arrogant look lingered in my mind, scratching my nerves for a while.
And now…
“Dear, Your Highness, this steak may be...”
“What do you want?”
Thunk-
During the meal, Yasiris loudly put down her utensils and asked frankly.
Ronelia was the first to respond, and she leaned close to Kazan, placing her hands on his shoulder and thigh.
“What do I want?
We simply…”
“I didn’t ask you, Ronelia,” with a cold tone, Yasiris silenced Ronelia and looked at Kazan.
“What do you want from me, Your Majesty?
Surely there must be a reason for summoning me.”
He must have called Pissaris for a reason other than simply offering to directly feed his new wife.
Yasiris wanted to put an end to this waste of time.
Every time she saw them, it was proof that all her sadness meant nothing, and that she really didn't want to meet them if possible.
If they like each other, they will spend time alone together.
Why do they keep dragging her into it every time?
I repeated the question I had asked at the first dinner table about the incomprehensible matter.
The answer that came back was the same as it was then,
“Do I need a reason to call you?
You are my wife too.”
Dinner ended rather tepidly.
After exchanging a few more words, Yasiris apologized first, stating that any further conversation would be of no interest.
It wasn't just about the meal, everything that wasn't related to Issaris had no meaning for Kazan.
So, naturally, he couldn't refuse her request.
Kazan looked at the empty seat with sunken eyes.
While he was imagining in his mind Yasiris, who was sitting there in a fixed position, he felt a hand quickly touch him.
“Your Majesty, we should finish what we were discussing...”
“Runelia”
Don't exceed your limits.
A cold gaze from an unseen angle fell on Runelia.
She pursed her lips for a moment, then smiled forcedly.
“Yes, Your Majesty”