Chapter 35

As Eleonora was about to finish preparing the tea, there was a knock on the door.

"Your Majesty, I apologize for the intrusion."

The person who appeared was the Chancellor, Sergei. Behind him was Duke Dmitri, Eleonora's father.

"On my way back, I saw a carriage with the Purpureus family crest. I thought, 'Ah, the Emperor must be at the Duke's house.' So, I came here with him."

Duke Dmitri, hiding behind Sergei, was trembling with fear.

"Are you here to cause trouble again?"

Alexei, without even looking at Dmitri, glared at Sergei.

"Nothing of the sort! I thought I would get the Duke of Purpureus to sign the engagement document between Your Majesty and your eldest daughter, Eleonora. Here it is, hastily prepared."

Sergei handed a parchment to Alexei. It was a document to be submitted to the Imperial State Church, usually containing only standard text in ancient language, but this one had a few additional conditions.

"Ah, well done."

"I am deeply honored by your praise."

Alexei and Sergei both smiled slyly.

"Duke of Purpureus, please sign here."

When Sergei handed the paper to Dmitri, who couldn't read the ancient language, he hurriedly signed it and then, trembling, asked Alexei:

"A-Are my wife and daughter safe?"

Alexei laughed sarcastically in response. Eleonora, who was a bit impressed by Dmitri's genuine concern for his family but also exasperated by his recklessness, thought to herself:

(You didn't even check the content of the document before signing it? How many times have you been tricked, and you still don't learn?)

"Without even offering congratulations, you ask this? I find it very unpleasant."

"I-I apologize deeply!"

Alexei, looking disappointed by Dmitri's pale and apologetic appearance, said:

"Never show your face before me again."

With those words, Dmitri fled from Eleonora's cottage. The butler followed him, but the small room still contained Sergei, two knights, and two attendants who had come with him. Of course, there were also knights standing guard outside.

(There have never been this many people in this cottage before. I should entertain the Chancellor.)

"…Chancellor, please come this way."

"Ah! To receive tea from Lady Eleonora's own hands. Please don't glare, Your Majesty. Jealous men are disliked."

Teasing Alexei, Sergei spoke, and Eleonora, with a serious expression, replied:

"…No matter what happens, I will never dislike Your Majesty."

"Why is that, Lady Eleonora? You've only met the Emperor twice."

Alexei was about to interject but decided to remain silent, eager to hear Eleonora's answer.

"…I have met Your Majesty before. It is a very, very precious memory, and I cannot say more."

Alexei was satisfied with Eleonora's answer, but he was annoyed by Sergei's smug face.

"Your Majesty, it's time to return to the castle. The engagement is not yet finalized."

"But there is no one here to support her. I cannot leave her alone in such a place."

(The maids Lila and Larisa are on her side.)

"…I am not without support. There are two kind maids here."

Sergei interjected again.

"Then, let those maids take care of her, and leave some of Your Majesty's knights here."

"…I thank you for your consideration."

"Your Majesty, now you can return to the castle with peace of mind. Staying at an unmarried woman's house so late would damage Lady Eleonora's reputation. You understand, don't you?"

"I understand. I will leave all the knights here."

(No way! I can't sleep surrounded by so many knights outside the house.)

"…I cannot sleep peacefully with so many knights around."

Hearing Eleonora's troubled response, Alexei reconsidered.

"Understood. I will leave three knights. However, they must not enter the room. After the engagement ceremony tomorrow, move to the castle."

Surprised by the suddenness but more eager to stay with Alexei, Eleonora blushed and nodded.

"Such a scene is only for the unmarried."

Hearing Sergei's whisper, she blushed.

From that day on, Eleonora's life changed dramatically.

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