Chapter 8.1
The reception began. Elena smiled at her worried family, assuring them that she was doing well and they shouldn’t worry. After introducing her five quintuplet brothers and parents to the wolf emperor who approached her side, Elena also introduced Azel, her childhood friend.
The emperor, knowing that Azel had been her intended consort, didn’t seem particularly pleased, but Elena was relieved to see him treating Azel reasonably well.
“Your Majesty the Empress, I hope to see you again someday.”
“Father, Mother, travel safely on your return. Brothers too.”
“El—I mean, Your Majesty the Empress, please stay healthy.”
After embracing each of her five brothers, saying goodbye to her new sister-in-law and her lovely nephew, Elena smiled brightly at Azel who stood awkwardly before her.
“Travel safely back, Azel.”
“Please stay healthy, Your Majesty the Empress.”
Elena waved until Azel mounted his horse and disappeared into the distance. She then looked up at the emperor who had approached and placed his hand on her shoulder.
“Let’s visit the Harus Kingdom together sometime.”
“What?!”
“Haha. Why are you so surprised?”
“Well…”
“I heard that your favorite lady-in-waiting couldn’t come.”
“Yes, she’s giving birth.”
“Would you like to accompany me to wish happiness for the mother and child? Empress.”
“I would like that, Your Majesty.”
Lucael caressed Elena’s cheek as she smiled shyly and whispered in her ear.
“When we’re alone, please call me by my name. I’d prefer a nickname if possible. Lu, Luca. I want you to call me that.”
“Ah…! Um, Lu.”
“That sounds nice. My Eli.”
“Lu.”
Looking at her flushed face, Lucael wanted nothing more than to go to the bedroom right now.
‘Calm down, if I follow my instincts, this timid rabbit might become afraid of me again. I need to ease the tension a bit more. Only then will she become completely mine.’
With a smile on his lips, Lucael’s gaze fell on her chest that looked like it might burst.
‘Ah, this will be quite difficult to endure.’
Lucael smiled gently at the lovely rabbit empress who tilted her head cutely, asking what was wrong, and told her it was nothing.
***
“I pay my respects to Your Majesty the Empress, the beautiful moon of the empire. I am Leila Bersen, eldest daughter of the Bersen Marquis family.”
“It’s nice to meet you. You’re the Prime Minister’s cousin, right?”
“That is correct. And also one of His Majesty the Emperor’s closest aides.”
While conversing with the friendly Leila, Elena heard something quite surprising.
“A-A lion therianthrope, you say?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I thought Lord Rihan was a wolf therianthrope…”
“Ah~ I was born between a wolf therianthrope father and a lion therianthrope mother. I strongly inherited my mother’s blood, while my younger brother is a wolf.”
“So you have a younger brother.”
“Yes! He couldn’t attend this joyous occasion due to poor health, but when he recovers, he will definitely come to pay his respects to Your Majesty!”
“I hope Young Master Bersen recovers quickly.”
“Your Majesty truly has a heart as fine as silk!”
“Doesn’t she?”
“Yes!”
Elena’s face turned red with embarrassment when she saw Ramie, who had appeared beside the young lady of the Bersen Marquis family, praising her. She called Runi to her side, who still looked uncomfortable in this place swarming with carnivorous therianthropes.
“I told you that you can go back to our quarters first.”
“How! Could! I! It is my duty to protect the Princ—no, Your Majesty the Empress at all costs!”
Elena was grateful for Runi’s determination as she clenched her fists and eyes with resolve, but she worried that Runi might fall ill from the stress. Just then, an elegant woman approached and greeted her.
“I finally have the chance to greet you, Your Majesty the Empress. I am Iris Rozel of the Rozel Ducal family.”
“Ah!”
Elena found herself face to face with the young lady of the Rozel Ducal family, one of the most prestigious families in the empire, whom Rihan had mentioned was the wolf emperor’s childhood friend.
‘She’s truly… beautiful. That luxurious red hair and green eyes. Even as a woman, I can see how beautiful she is—to think he had such a beautiful childhood friend.’
In front of this woman, Elena felt infinitely small and insignificant.
“Your Majesty the Empress? You don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”
“N-No, my lady. I’m fine.”
“Oh my, please speak less formally, Your Majesty.”
“Ah, I understand.”
“Hehe. Your Majesty, I would be delighted if you would be friends with me as well.”
“I would like that too. My lady.”
“If I may be so bold.”
Elena couldn’t take her eyes off the lady who lowered her waist before her, spreading her magnificent dress to the side like an elegant peacock.
“I hope you will call me by my name from now on.”
“Of course, Iris.”
“It is truly an honor, Your Majesty.”
Seeing Iris looking at her with sparkling eyes, Elena felt both burdened and deeply moved that she was so loved even in this place.
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