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Chapter 7
For some reason, the Emperor’s mood seemed unusually gloomy, and a chill ran down my spine. I quickly changed the subject.
“By the way, is it already lunchtime? It doesn’t feel like that much time has passed…”
“It will be soon.”
“I see. Time really does fly…”
I nodded, thinking how quickly time passes, and turned to head toward the dining hall. But the Emperor’s low voice stopped my steps.
“Before that, I have something to ask.”
His expression was serious. Well—he was always serious, but this time there was a certain tension in the air.
There’s no way I’m mistaken. The Emperor? Nervous?
I internally scolded myself for thinking that and waited for him to speak.
“Are you certain we don’t need to send reinforcements to the Grand Duke’s territory?”
The Emperor’s question was filled with suspicion. I met his gaze and replied without the slightest hesitation.
“I’m not sure I understand your intent. I only stated what I believed was the best course of action.”
But the Emperor still didn’t look convinced. My chest felt tight. If this continued, I might really collapse from stress.
Seeing that he had no intention of letting go of his doubts, a sigh slipped out without me realizing.
“Your Majesty. What I’m about to say may sound disrespectful, so please allow for that in advance.”
“What…?”
I cleared my throat once, then lifted my head and looked him straight in the eye.
“I am very well aware that Your Majesty disapproves of my past actions.”
“I—”
I cut off his attempt to deny it and continued.
“However, that does not mean you may disregard me or my family. Even if you are the ruler of the Empire and its sun.”
I phrased it carefully, indirectly referring to the Emperor’s various scandalous rumors.
His expression stiffened in a rather spectacular way.
“You also know very well that our engagement has been a loss for both of us.”
“…I know.”
“So please stop involving the Grand Duke in our relationship. I accepted this engagement knowing full well I would bear that loss.”
And so did you, I swallowed the rest of the words and stared at him.
“……”
The Emperor closed his mouth like a shell. He simply looked down at me in silence.
It was hard to tell what he was thinking.
…Ah. I’ve done it.
Only after letting everything out did I realize what I had done.
I had just lectured the Emperor on how inappropriate his behavior was toward me.
As regret flooded in late, the Emperor finally spoke.
“I understand your thoughts. You may go.”
“…Yes.”
I had expected him to be angered, but his reaction was surprisingly calm.
Did he… really understand what I said?
Suspicious of his intelligence, I quietly followed him to the dining hall.
Only after arriving did I realize the Emperor was not lacking in understanding at all.
“So the rumors about me are bothering you.”
“…Of course they are.”
Who wouldn’t be bothered by scandalous rumors about their fiancé? I barely restrained my expression from twisting.
“Is that so.”
“……”
After that, neither of us spoke warmly again. In fact, we barely spoke at all.
In the end, I failed to receive even a single apology from him by the end of the meal.
What were you even expecting, Isanna?
Clicking my tongue lightly, I turned my back on him, deciding to eat separately tonight.
* * *
“Lady. The Duke is calling for you.”
“My father?”
As soon as I returned to the ducal estate, I was called to the study. I changed direction from my bedroom.
…Ha. I’m exhausted today.
But I couldn’t refuse my father’s request, especially since I hadn’t seen him in a while.
And if I refused, he would undoubtedly give me those puppy-dog eyes, like Puss in Boots.
He’s cute, but… that’s still cheating…
With a sigh, I headed to his study.
“I’m here, Father.”
“Come in.”
His voice was as usual, but for some reason, my throat felt dry with tension.
I carefully opened the door. The reinforced iron handle moved without a sound.
“…Father.”
“Sit.”
My father’s gaze lifted from the documents.
Unlike usual, when he would greet me with at least a faint smile, today his expression was stiff.
“How is the territory?”
“The retainers are working hard.”
“I see. That’s good. Still, I think I’ll increase Kilian’s workload soon.”
Oh dear, how unfortunate.
My brother was already extremely busy. I felt a bit guilty imagining Kilian becoming even more overworked because of my careless question.
And at the same time, I envied him.
“I’m worried it might be too much for my brother.”
“That level is what he must handle.”
My father cut it off firmly, but I knew his trust in Kilian was behind those words.
“…Could I help Kilian, in any way?”
I spoke cautiously. It felt slightly rushed, but I felt like this was the moment.
My father did not react immediately. He simply remained silent.
Stay calm, Isanna. Don’t rush.
I steadied myself as silence stretched on. My palms grew damp with tension.
“The family business, you say?”
“Yes.”
At his question, I replied firmly.
My father’s eyes sharpened as if testing me. I deliberately maintained a composed expression.
“Very well. If that is what you want, start with the Octa Trading Company.”
“…Really?”
“You wished to inherit the family business, did you not?”
“…Yes.”
Since he had precisely seen through my intentions, I could only admit it.
“I have been managing it since Iana passed, but it was originally yours.”
My heart trembled—but not from pressure.
“I believe you can handle it without issue.”
“Father…”
He lowered his gaze back to the documents. It was trust.
“Thank you.”
I smiled brightly, unable to contain my happiness.
It was unladylike, but I didn’t care.
“You do not need to feel burdened. Even failure is acceptable. The Delrobanth house will not be shaken by something like that.”
He said it as if even ruin would not matter.
I understood the concern behind his words. He was simply bad at expressing himself.
But… why isn’t he asking?
My excitement cooled.
He likely knew better than anyone that, at this rate, marriage—and even inheritance—would become impossible.
Did he already see through my plan?
It can’t be Kilian… I told him not to say anything.
“Father…”
“I already know what you are thinking.”
“….”
“Just don’t underestimate His Majesty. He is a frightening man.”
I nodded quietly. I already knew that very well.
“Yes. I will keep that in mind.”
I was dismissed shortly after and returned to my room.
“Prepare the bath.”
“No, I’ll sleep immediately today.”
“Yes, my lady.”
I changed into sleepwear and collapsed into bed. My tense body finally loosened.
I can’t yet become head of the trading company…
But if I divorce the Emperor, I’ll at least secure a stable future.
First, I needed to become Empress.
“…I should’ve held back. What I said to the Emperor is bothering me.”
If I pushed him too far, he might delay the marriage further.
With a sigh, I closed my heavy eyes.
* * *
I decided not to visit the palace to rest for once.
But the estate, which should have been quiet, was anything but.
Before dawn, the noise was so loud I gave up on sleeping.
So irritating…
Isanna’s heightened senses were truly a curse at times like this.
I pulled the cord by my bedside. Soon, the servants arrived.
“Why is it so noisy?”
“Ah… the palace has sent gifts for you, my lady.”
“The palace?”
At first I thought I misheard.
But the answer was the same.
Remembering my criticism of the Emperor yesterday, I couldn’t think of any reason for him to send gifts.
I quickly got dressed and went downstairs.
“…What.”
At the sight of clothes and boxes filling the entrance, I opened my mouth in shock.
“Isanna. You’re awake.”
“Father. Brother. What is all this…?”
My father and brother were already there, sorting the items sent from the palace.
From afar it didn’t look like much—but up close, it was overwhelming.
It was like a small mountain had formed in front of the estate.
“Now I see why it was so noisy.”
“Ridiculous.”
At the vulgar remark in my ear, I turned sharply toward the voice.
My brother stood there, frowning deeply as he stared at the pile of gifts as if he wanted to tear it apart.
