Chapter 113
At Lea’s logical words, Bianca could not say a single word in reply. Anything she said here would only be digging her own grave.
For the first time, she resented the Emperor. Why on earth did he not grant Lea a title and leave the family registry in such disorder?
Even though she was not actually pregnant, Bianca now realized that even if she did bear a child, she would never be able to place them above the Imperial Crown Prince.
“This mother is terribly saddened. To think that you saw things that way…”
The words she managed to squeeze out were truly feeble, but no one pointed it out. Only Lea answered brightly.
“I was very sad too. The wounds I received from Your Majesty still hurt, you know.”
Watching Bianca now claim to be sorrowful, after having whipped her so mercilessly, Lea realized she had completely rid herself of any maternal attachment.
She even felt a sense of pride in knowing that Bianca could no longer affect her in any way.
Because of that, she didn’t notice what kind of expression Calix was making.
* * *
Lea and Calix left the Empress’s palace together. Zion, Derek, and Eric, who had been waiting out front, saw them and came over.
“…Go back to your palace for now.”
At that moment, Calix whispered briefly, then returned to the Empress’s palace. As soon as he disappeared, Zion and Derek hurried over to Lea.
“Let’s return to your palace, Lady Lea.”
“Rose is worried about you, Lady Haisley.”
“…Yes, all right.”
Lea didn’t know what Calix was thinking as he went back in to see the Empress, but she realized that this happy dream was finally over.
Her lingering feelings for him had faded a lot. Perhaps it was because she had received all she had wished for in such a short time.
With a refreshed face, she spoke to Zion, Derek, and Eric.
“I’m sorry for making you worry. Ah, I should have given you guiding… If you have time today, please receive it before you go.”
“Haah, I feel alive again.”
Eric was the first to answer Lea’s offer. Now that he had gone without the guiding he always received, he realized just how much he craved it.
Lea, seeing his attitude, smiled instead.
“It seems I won’t have to do it in secret anymore. Isn’t that right, Young Marquis?”
“Yes, of course. This is how it should have been from the start.”
Zion also spoke with a relieved face, and Derek nodded in agreement. As Lea was about to move, she turned to Eric with a serious expression.
“Still, Sir Eric, please only receive guiding after you’ve safely escorted the Crown Prince. If you neglect your duty to guard His Highness even one more time, I won’t let it slide.”
The person who was always so kind now only had a stern expression, but it felt frightening. No. Rather, it was fear itself. Espers could not help but feel fear at the thought of being abandoned by their Guide.
“Yes, I will certainly do so.”
Hearing Eric’s dependable answer, Lea responded with a bright smile and returned to her palace. She reunited with Rose for the first time in a while, received a light scolding, performed guiding, and drank tea together.
While she was enjoying a peaceful time, Calix was glaring at Bianca with a cold, menacing expression.
There was something she had said earlier that he couldn’t overlook.
“I don’t like people coming without an appointment. Wasn’t it only just now that you came at my summons?”
“Your Majesty, perhaps you should use that dull mind of yours a little more effectively?”
Having been overwhelmed by Lea, Bianca was in a sour mood and snapped at Calix’s reproach.
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