What I Gained by Giving My Body - Chapter 2.20

“…….”

Roxias’s eyes narrowed. It was because the identity of the sense of incongruity he had been feeling since a moment ago had become clear. He and Chaser were cousins who had been close since childhood. Unless he had suddenly lost his memory, there was no way he would think Roxias would be shaken by just some woman.

Then there were two possibilities. Chaser had suddenly become a fool, or the reason Chaser was acting so foolishly was that very woman. Roxias sank into thought for a moment before finding an answer that seemed quite likely.

‘I suppose he wants to take that very woman he’s pushing on me as a mistress.’

If that were the case, the current situation made some sense. It wasn’t that only married women could be taken as mistresses, but taking an unmarried maiden as a mistress carried a high possibility of social condemnation.

“……Is it not Your Majesty who wishes to have that woman?”

“T-that can’t be.”

Roxias stared intently at Chaser, who began to stutter. I thought so. Usually, the Emperor’s mistresses married nobles whose position in the Empire was ambiguous. The mistress gained status, and the noble gained the Emperor’s favor, so it was a mutual benefit. But himself, Roxias Akbar?

There was no benefit to be gained at all. Conversely, Chaser could gain the great benefit of keeping the Archduke Akbar’s household in check. It was a rather insulting situation, but Roxias remained calm. Had he been an ordinary human, he would have likely flown into a rage. But having watched humans for a long time, Chaser’s inner thoughts were as clear as looking through still water.

‘This is why it’s difficult to maintain power appropriately.’

He clicked his tongue inwardly. There had been countless lives where those in power were wary of him, but Chaser had uniquely claimed to cherish and adore him all this time, so it was a bit disappointing.

‘Still, if it’s to keep me in check, the engagement with Cathy can sufficiently achieve that purpose, so this ridiculous matchmaking will end with a mere probe.’

Unexpectedly, Chaser’s stubborn attitude did not change.

“Truly, your mind will change once you meet her. Roxy, just once…….”

Roxias let out a sigh.

“If that is Your Majesty’s wish, I shall meet her.”

There had been several lives where he was executed for not accepting the will of the highest power. Through trial and error, Roxias had learned the rules that humans must follow. Of course, until now, there had been no reason to follow those rules, but this life was a bit different. Because it was uncertain when he would see Caitlyn Hardick again if he missed her now.

“Good, good!”

Chaser looked openly relieved.

“Roxy, do you remember my mother?”

“Yes.”

Roxias’s brow furrowed. He couldn’t understand why the topic of the previous Empress, Alexandra, who had returned to her home kingdom after the Emperor died, was suddenly coming up. The Empress, who should have stayed in Britannia to help with state affairs, had complained of severe trauma after the Emperor’s death, and eventually, Chaser had helped his mother stay where she wanted, freed from her duties.

“My mother is currently staying in her home kingdom, the Solaris Kingdom. The current King of Solaris has three children, and it is said that the youngest daughter has admired you for a long time.”

“……I trust you do not believe such a ridiculous story.”

Chaser burst into a laugh.

“You’re too cynical. She said she fell in love at first sight after seeing you at the goodwill ball.”

“That cannot be.”

Roxias refuted immediately.

“I have never met the youngest princess of Solaris even once. Had I met her, I would have remembered.”

“Ah, that’s the most romantic part.”

Chaser clapped his hands.

“Come in, Adele!”

The door opened immediately, and the ‘Adele’ in question stepped inside.

“Glory to the Empire. I greet Archduke Roxias Akbar.”

She lowered her eyes and greeted Roxias with perfect etiquette. Roxias admitted it. This time…… even he was quite surprised.

Chaser was right. Adele certainly possessed the most beautiful appearance among the Solaris royalty—no, among all people of Solaris. Flaming red hair fluttered down to her waist, and her sea-blue eyes were mysterious, their depths unknowable. Her white and transparent skin, without a single blemish, was suitable for the standard of beauty in any era.

But the reason Roxias was truly surprised was not merely because of her appearance.

‘How can such a thing happen?’

It was certain that the Goddesses of Fate had lent a hand. This woman, Adele…… was the reincarnation of a human he knew all too well.