Chapter 71

While reviewing his work, Theseus stiffened at Lionel's sudden request for a private meeting.

"Everyone, step out for a moment."

The retainers, including Michael Rosen, who occupied a corner of the office, stopped what they were doing and hurriedly left the room at the duke's command. In the desolate office, the brothers faced each other with stern expressions. Lionel walked up to Theseus and, after a moment of staring at his brother's seemingly angry face, bowed deeply.

"I'm sorry."

"Stand up and look at me."

When Lionel lifted his head, Theseus leaned forward, bracing himself on the desk.

"What's this sudden apology for?"

"I apologize for giving the duchy's property to Her Majesty the Empress without permission."

"Don't joke. If you had to apologize to me, you wouldn't have given the gift in the first place! Don't try to dodge the issue, speak clearly!"

"…Brother."

"…."

"I wish to inherit the delayed viscountcy."

"…!"

The previous duke left the Viscountcy of Herbert and its territory to Lionel before his death. However, since Lionel was not of age when the previous duke passed away, the inheritance was delayed. Theseus always urged Lionel to inherit the viscountcy and establish his position, but Lionel kept delaying, claiming it was more convenient to stay and help in the same duchy. But what is his intention in suddenly requesting the inheritance now?

"That's originally yours, so there's no need to apologize to me."

"…."

"Lionel!!"

"I will not resign from my position as an advisor."

At Lionel's declaration, Theseus's brow furrowed.

"Not resigning? Do you think that position will last forever?!"

"I know. I understand that it's a position I will eventually have to give up."

"But?!"

"Just not now."

Theseus walked around the desk and firmly grabbed Lionel's arm.

"Even if you're not the advisor, Valder will continue to support Her Majesty the Empress in every way. I won't leave her alone. Did the Empress try to dissuade you?"

"No. She told me to resign."

Lionel's eyes turned red as he answered. Seeing his brother's despondent gaze, Theseus felt a lump in his throat. Lionel, as if making a decision, gently freed himself from Theseus's grip and took a step back, bowing deeply.

"I will not tarnish the honor of the House of Valder."

"Do you think I'm worried about that?!!"

In response to Theseus's explosive anger, Lionel smiled softly.

"Don't worry about me. I am walking the path that is best for me right now."

"…What path is that for you?!"

Lionel, with a light expression, took Theseus's hand.

"Brother, I'm not trying to drive things to a disastrous end."

"…."

"I'm not trying to burn myself like a moth drawn to a flame. Her thoughts make my heart race, and I just want to be by her side."

"…."

Theseus, at a loss for words, looked at Lionel with a bewildered expression. Lionel released his hand, took a step back, and bowed deeply.

"I request the inheritance of the Viscountcy of Herbert, Your Grace of Valder."

＊ ＊ ＊ According to Echmont law, a duke can inherit personal titles and territories to blood relatives without the emperor's permission, as they are not granted by the emperor. Following this, Duke Valder conducted a brief ceremony within the duchy and transferred the Viscountcy of Herbert and its territory to Lionel. The news that Lionel Valder, the heir, had become Lionel, Viscount Herbert, quickly spread through Echmont's social circles and reached Adel.

"Did you suddenly become Viscount Herbert today?"

While gently brushing Adel's hair, Lady Giggs replied.

"You delayed it for quite a while, but you suddenly inherited it."

"…."

"…."

The two remained silent. Lady Giggs noticed that the Empress's eyes, hidden under her delicate eyelashes, were blankly staring into space. She continued to brush Adel's smooth hair, silently standing behind the Empress. Although she had not closely observed Lionel, Lady Giggs had watched his growth over the years in the palace. The expression on Lionel Valder's face as he left the Empress's palace that day was something even Lady Giggs had never seen before. He seemed to be overwhelmed by deep despair and frustration. What did the Empress say to him to make him look like that? And why did he suddenly inherit the title he had been delaying? The experienced old lady had a vague idea but pretended not to know, covering the Empress's shoulders with a warm blanket and handing her a cup of tea before quietly leaving. That night, Adel had a dream. In the dream, she stood in a field, watching the grass sway in the wind. Her skirt fluttered in the breeze. Looking down, she saw a simple cotton skirt with no embroidery. Although it was a plain dress she had never worn before, she found herself smiling. It suited the open field. Then, someone appeared in the distance. Adel's heart raced. She picked a few wildflowers with one hand and held the hem of her skirt with the other, running towards him. As she got closer, his face became clearer. His dark blue hair swayed gently, and his eyes smiled warmly at her. Adel called out to him with all her might.

"Lionel!!!"

Adel's eyes snapped open. She couldn't tell if it was a dream or reality, blinking blankly. The ornate ceiling, with its fine cracks, was visible in the dim light. Tears streamed from her eyes, overflowing without pause. The tears pouring into her ears made her feel as if she were underwater. In the slow, heavy night, Adel cried endlessly, not knowing why. When sobs escaped, she pulled the blanket over herself. The suffocating darkness seeped into her chest. In her hand were a few nameless wildflowers. A simple cotton skirt with no embroidery. And he was there. Although it was just a dream, his tender smile and the way he opened his arms to her lingered in her mind.

"Adel!!"

The voice that called her name, filled with overflowing affection. ＊ ＊ ＊ Although she had a restless night, Adel couldn't sleep in because she had to attend the council meeting that was to continue from the previous day.

"Please dress her elegantly and simply. It would be best to tie her hair up."

Lady Giggs directed the Empress's dressing with a passionate gaze. When the preparations were complete, the result was so impressive that even the maids who dressed her were amazed. Lady Giggs nodded approvingly at Adel.

"It's done, Your Majesty."

Adel stood up and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The image reflected was that of a graceful and charismatic Empress. Seeing the elegant dress, the simple cotton skirt from her dream came to mind, but Adel pushed the thought aside.

"Thank you. You all did a great job."

The maids sent by Dian Poitiers no longer ventured near the Ivory Palace, but Adel never gave them secret tasks.

"What time is it now?"

"It's ten to eight."

"Then it's almost time."

As soon as Adel finished speaking, there was a knock on the door. Lady Giggs quickly opened it, and a maid bowed and announced.

"Grand Duke, Duke Valder, and Viscount Herbert request an audience, Your Majesty."

'Lionel Herbert…'

Words carry the soul, and thus they are magic. Adel silently rolled the name in her mouth, swallowed it, and took a step forward. ＊ ＊ ＊

"Her Majesty the Empress has arrived."

As Lady Giggs announced the Empress's entrance, the three men who were seated stood up. As Lady Giggs stepped aside, the Empress appeared with a graceful, fluid movement. Her hair was elegantly tied up, and her intelligent golden eyes were both captivating and elegant.

"Did you rest well, Your Majesty?"

"Of course."

After a brief exchange between Adel and Elisabeth, Theseus greeted her. While Adel was exchanging greetings with the two men, Lionel was watching her intently. When Adel's gaze finally met his, Lionel bowed deeply.

"Until yesterday afternoon, you were Sir Valder, but this morning, you are Viscount Herbert. Congratulations, Viscount Herbert."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Now, everyone, please take a seat."

The four of them gathered around the round table and continued discussing the council meeting, reviewing the materials Lionel had brought regarding the Calvin Barony.

"Despina will certainly make unreasonable demands with Poitiers."

At Lionel's serious statement, Elisabeth shook her head.

"I can't stand to see that."

Adel, who had never seen such a scene, tilted her head in confusion, but Theseus and Lionel nodded, understanding what she meant.

"If they use erroneous magical knowledge, I can refute them point by point, so don't worry too much."

At Adel's words, Elisabeth's eyes sparkled as she looked at her.

"The reason we have been on the defensive so far is precisely because of this. Today, please speak your mind as much as you need to."

"Put your worries aside."

The two women, with identical expressions, smiled at each other, and Theseus and Lionel, watching them, shrugged at each other. These two women will surely sweep through the council meeting today.