Chapter 28

The glory of becoming the Empress's advisor... Lionel might be the only one in the history of the Baldur ducal family to achieve this. Anyway, when the rumor that Duke Baldur had become the Empress's advisor swept through the palace along with the news of the failure to pass the supplementary budget for the Empress's palace, the palace was in an uproar. People were so engrossed in these two stories that they lost track of time. The ducal family's members found it hard to believe that their proud young master had become the Empress's advisor.

"So, how will our young master get married now?"

"Being Duke Baldur, he will get married, won't he?"

"But they say he applied for the position himself."

"......Why? What does our young master lack?"

"Perhaps the Duke forced him to do it?"

Unable to understand the Duke's actions, many people began to blame the innocent Theseus. They thought that the strict Theseus, who clearly separated public and private matters, might have pushed his brother for the benefit of the ducal family. However, the butler, who had known Theseus and Lionel since they were children, firmly stated that this decision was solely Lionel's.

"Why did you make such a decision?"

The butler asked while adjusting Lionel's attire as he prepared to enter the palace upon the Empress's summons.

"Since we are in a difficult position, shouldn't we try everything we can?"

"......Indeed. It was your decision, not the Duke's."

"Would my brother give me such an order?"

At this, the butler laughed hollowly and stepped back, but his nose tingled. An advisor? Why would our young master do this, why! But the butler couldn't say anything to Lionel.

"Then, I'll be going."

"......Yes. Please be careful."

The butler watched his retreating back with a heavy heart. Then he calmed himself. Lionel was someone who would fight for what he wanted. The brothers were similar yet different. While Theseus had a stubborn nature, always walking the righteous path, Lionel often found shortcuts. And the shortcuts Lionel found were mostly difficult for Theseus, the head of the ducal family, to follow. A typical example was his acceptance of the advisor position.

"Anyway... do well, young master."

The butler murmured a prayer-like phrase that no one could hear and then turned around. ＊ ＊ ＊ Meanwhile, at the Empress's palace. Empress Adelaide, enjoying the cool autumn breeze, lay on the couch as if she were one with it, kicking her feet leisurely. This was a scene that Lady Giggs, who had served the previous Empress, had never seen before, but it strangely suited Empress Adelaide. It was a bold statement to say that the tyrant-like appearance of a ruler indulging in debauchery suited her, but it was a statement that could not be uttered. Of course, one could not speak freely to the Empress. The maids in the Empress's palace were mostly from Dian, and Dian had not yet been able to replace them. However, Dian did not get much useful information from the maids. They were afraid of the Empress. It was not because she committed atrocities, but rather a biological, instinctive fear. Even if a tiger hid its claws and teeth and lay lazily, one could never know when it would suddenly reveal its claws and teeth, grab and bite the neck viciously. The Empress never spoke to the maids, but when they scurried about their work, she would stop all her actions and stare at them intently. Her golden eyes, piercing through her pale face, were so intense that one could not help but notice them. Seeing her golden eyes, one might even doubt if a wild beast had transformed into a human.

"She is watching us."

"She will find out if we pass on any messages to the palace lord."

Adelaide, who had been watching the maids scurrying about with a frightened rabbit-like expression, closed her eyes. It was not easy to observe every move in front of her.

"Has the number of times the maids run to the Ivory Palace to report on what happens here decreased?"

Lady Giggs, who had been waiting for this question, answered immediately.

"There has been no visitor to the Ivory Palace in the past week."

"Well, there hasn't been much to report. The only noteworthy event was last night."

The Empress frowned, seemingly displeased with her own words.

"Your Majesty."

"Speak."

"It is not yet the time to confront the Emperor."

"Do you think I should not have refused the seclusion?"

"......I apologize. But you know it is inevitable, and there is a risk that the consequences might turn against you."

"......"

The Empress said nothing, lying there without a word, neither scolding nor telling them to stop. Lady Giggs quietly left the room to avoid disturbing the Empress's thoughts. The old woman's eyes were dark and contemplative. After a moment, the sound of unusual footsteps woke her from her thoughts. Turning her gaze, she saw a man walking down the corridor, his presence captivating. The old woman elegantly turned and bowed slightly.

"Welcome."

Lionel, summoned by the Empress, had arrived. ＊ ＊ ＊ Adelaide, who had been lying lazily, sat up straight upon hearing that Lionel had arrived. She could not greet a visitor while lying down.

"Come in."

Adelaide gave a concise order, and the maids opened the door. With all the windows open, a gust of wind rushed in through the open door. In the wind, Lionel, dressed neatly, appeared. Adelaide was not lying down but was not sitting upright either. She welcomed Lionel, leaning comfortably on the soft sofa. Her attitude was informal but special. This was because she was smiling with her long, arched eyes and her red lips curved into a seductive smile. The maids nearby held their breath.

The Empress greeted him with a charming smile and a fresh autumn breeze-like tone.

"Welcome. I've been waiting for you, Lionel."

The maids, who had been entranced by the Empress's smile, ended up opening their mouths wide. Even Lionel, who had already known she would use a familiar tone, was taken aback by the intimate voice that reached his ear. He bowed politely and quickly composed himself.

"Your Majesty."

When he finally lifted his head, his face was calm.

"What about refreshments?"

The maid asked cautiously, and Adelaide looked at Lionel.

"I will have tea."

Understanding the unspoken question, Lionel answered, and Adelaide said to the maids in a light tone.

"Bring two cups of tea and some light snacks."

The maids bowed politely and left, but they kept glancing at the two. Soon, rumors would spread like wildfire. When the maids left and only the two remained, the Empress crossed her arms and asked.

"Is this informal attitude uncomfortable for you?"

"You said you would use a familiar tone."

Adelaide, after briefly observing Lionel's expression, uncrossed her arms and said.

"It feels good to see you not uncomfortable with my familiarity."

"I'm not uncomfortable, so don't worry."

"It feels refreshing."

At that moment, the maids entered cautiously, placed the refreshments on the table, and left. However, neither the Empress nor Lionel paid any attention to the beautifully arranged refreshments.

"Shall we talk a bit?"

With a gentle tone, a cold voice, and a firm manner, the Empress tilted her head. When their eyes met, Lionel instinctively looked away. The Empress was a person who made one's nerves tingle. When facing her, Lionel's nerves became extremely sensitive, focused entirely on her. After taking a deep breath, he lifted his head again. Fortunately, the Empress was lifting her teacup. Lionel calmly observed her. It had not been long since the news of the failure to pass the supplementary budget for the Empress's palace. He had inwardly expected to meet an angry Empress, but she maintained a composed attitude. However, this composure was the result of intense rationality. Lionel, seeing the Empress's informal attitude, tightened his resolve. Meanwhile, Adelaide, lifting her teacup, observed Lionel through the rising steam. His handsome face was rigid, and his posture was stiff.

"Lionel."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Did the Duke of Baldur send you?"

"No, I applied on my own."

To this straightforward answer, Adelaide paused for a moment and then continued.

"Did you ask the Duke?"

"Yes."

"Did he allow it?"

"......"

When he did not answer, Adelaide waved her hand and quickly corrected her question.

"Anyway, if the Duke of Baldur approved, it means your intention and the ducal family's intention are the same, right? Can I assume that?"

To this pointed question, Lionel answered politely.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The clear answer made the Empress smile with her long, arched eyes. She took another sip of tea, placed the cup down, and continued in a calm tone.

"For four days, my patience was tested. During the interviews."

"......"

Lionel did not take his eyes off her face.

"During the interviews, there was a guy who tried to cut an apple but couldn't. He was blaming himself for doing something unnecessary. Then, Lady Giggs told me that there was one last applicant."

The guy who couldn't cut the apple was really funny. Adelaide chuckled, remembering the moment.

"And then you appeared. Very suddenly. Anyway, the reason I'm saying this is..."

"......"

"I want to say that I am very satisfied with you as an advisor."

The Empress looked into Lionel's dark blue eyes, speaking each word slowly. The words of satisfaction pierced his heart deeply. Lionel stiffened.

"Let's get along well, Lionel."

"......Yes."

His delayed response made the Empress frown. When Lionel blinked at her sudden change in expression, the Empress crossed her arms and said.

"Using a familiar tone and pretending to be close is not easy for me either."

She shrugged with an exaggeratedly annoyed look.

"If I say 'let's get along well,' you should at least give a longer response. If rumors spread that the Empress is courting Lionel Baldur, it would be very troublesome."

Her tone was stern, but the atmosphere was light. Lionel's stiff expression softened. Although it was a superficial relationship, he felt his mouth dry. Seeing his expression change, Adelaide urged him to speak.

"Please, Your Majesty."

The Empress, seemingly satisfied, smiled with her long, arched eyes.

"Alright, let's start. What role does the Baldur ducal family expect me to play?"