Chapter 18
What hammer would the Empress wield, considering the disgrace brought upon the Crown Prince by his entanglement with a lowly, common-born orphan?
“It takes several weeks to confirm a pregnancy. Perhaps you should come to the Imperial Palace before then.”
“What?”
“We can address your social standing later. The smoothest solution would be for you to become the adopted daughter of a family favorable to the Imperial House.”
“W-wait a moment, Your Majesty.”
“I cannot officially grant you the title of Crown Princess immediately. However, once the Crown Prince formally ascends the throne or receives the abdication, I will bestow upon you the position of, at least, Royal Consort.”
I stared at the Empress, dumbfounded.
“Ascending to Empress will be your task. Until the Crown Prince’s coronation, you will have to be content as the adopted daughter of an influential family.”
“Your Majesty!”
I couldn’t help but raise my voice, despite the risk of appearing disrespectful. The Empress’s words were so bewildering that I couldn’t bear to listen in silence.
“Why? Are you not content?”
“No! That’s not it at all. Absolutely not. Rather, how could someone as inadequate as I…? Please, withdraw your words.”
The Empress’s lips curved into a smile—elegant, yet ominous.
“Withdraw my words?”
“Yes. I am in no way suitable for such a position.”
“You seem surprised by my offer.”
Of course, I was surprised.
“Did you expect me to berate you or even strike you?”
Such gentle words. I had anticipated, at minimum, exile and enslavement, and at worst, death.
“Judging by your expression, you were prepared for something far worse.”
“.…”
“You seem intelligent, yet in moments like these, you are undeniably a child. Your expressions are so transparent.”
“I’m… overwhelmed by your generosity…”
“Why would I do such a thing?”
Because I am merely a lowly being who happened to cross paths with the Imperial family, someone who wouldn’t normally even brush against their garments.
The Crown Prince committed a sin worthy of death against me, but considering the customs of this era, and from the Empress’s perspective, shouldn’t I be the guilty one deserving death?
“With rumors of my son’s impotence spreading across the borders and even to foreign lands, why would I?”
“What?”
The Empress’s calm demeanor as she spoke such embarrassing words made me feel embarrassed.
“I myself was beginning to wonder if my son was truly impotent. Fortunately, we have confirmed that his functionality is intact, so it’s only right to address the urgent matter at hand.”
I see. So, you were worried that your son, who hasn’t shown any interest in marriage or relationships until this age, might be impotent.
But wouldn’t such a conversation be inappropriate to share with me, the victim of your son’s transgression?
“I know you have no romantic interest in the Crown Prince.”
The Empress looked at me with a weary expression.
“While the entire empire rejoices in the defeat of the Demon King, I find myself burdened with concerns ill-suited to this joyous occasion.”
“….”
“Young Duke Ziek, Young Count Perdian, and Baron Mason have been inquiring after you.”
“Oh… I haven’t been able to see them, as I’ve been unconscious.”
“Is that so? That’s fortunate.”
What’s fortunate? My mind momentarily stalled. I cautiously looked at the Empress, and she offered an enigmatic smile. It was the same look she wore when elegantly putting down a noblewoman she disliked.
“Is there a man among them who has captured your heart?”
“No.”
This was a question I could answer without hesitation. The Empress nodded.
“Good. In these glorious times, there should be no discord between the heroes of this victory and the Imperial family.”
The Empress straightened her posture and rose to her feet.
“Then you shall prepare to come to the Imperial Palace immediately. You can come with Hestia. While I would prefer you arrive today, you’ll need time to gather your belongings, so come by tomorrow at the latest.”
My opinion, which I could only express with a gape like a goldfish, seemed of little importance to Her Majesty.
“I will have everything you need prepared at the palace. You needn’t worry about formalities, as you are still recovering.”
With a brisk, almost cold efficiency, the Empress departed, leaving behind only the lingering scent of her elegant lotus perfume.
The luxurious fragrance, unique to the Imperial family, struck my dazed mind.
I sprang from my seat.
I couldn’t just sit here.
***
Right now, my most pressing concern is, without a doubt, escape.
From the bombshell announcement at the victory celebration to Clovis’s unimaginable transgression, and now the Empress’s declaration today—all of these events are catastrophic, far beyond my ability to handle.
First, I must escape. Escape.
However, it seemed the star of misfortune had decided to become my guardian star since the day of the victory celebration.
The annex building of the temple, reserved for honored guests, has only one exit. Each floor has a large room on either wing, comparable in size to a commoner’s home, and all rooms are connected by a grand spiral staircase in the center of the building.
At the foot of that spiral staircase, a knight cloaked in a mantle bearing the Imperial crest was engaged in a struggle with someone. Or rather, he was being harassed.
“Do you not know who I am?”
“How could I not? Young Duke Helion Zeke.”
“Oh, I thought you were a fool who didn’t even recognize my face, but thankfully, you do. Yet, you still dare to obstruct me?”
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