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~Chapter 34~
So Much To Do
[Uh, you know… things like the Emperor treating you badly, or something like that.]
“Oh…”
Even though it was a contract marriage, Regina had decided to do her duty as Empress. She didn’t think it was right to say anything that would damage the Emperor’s reputation.
When Regina fell silent, remembering this, Shiren shouted loudly.
[Don’t tell me the Fredericks Emperor has locked you up or something?]
“Locked up?!”
[Then what is that awkward silence!]
Shiren’s dramatic words left Regina speechless. She hesitated, not sure what to say, when Theodore’s voice joined in.
[If the Emperor is doing something to you, I won’t forgive him.]
“It’s not like that, so don’t worry.”
[Your Highness.]
“I really mean it.”
Regina quickly cut off the magic flow.
The faint light in her earrings disappeared and they looked normal again.
After confirming that Shiren and Theodore had also stopped the magic, Regina removed her hand from the earring.
She felt her magic power was now half-empty and let out a small sigh.
“Hoo…”
Her face was flushed and she was out of breath. The tiredness hit her—the usual kind you get after using too much magic.
If her magic had been working properly, she could have recovered quickly. But now, the fatigue was even worse.
‘If I still had my magic from before it was sealed, this wouldn’t be a problem.’
She needed to find another way to make up for her lack of magic. Maybe the answer was in aura, which could be exchanged for magic.
There was a way to break the seal besides having Heraith remove it—a large amount of magic could shatter the seal. But it had to be done carefully, and Regina didn’t have enough magic for that now.
“So much to do.”
She spoke to herself. Regina made and released a hand sign, watching the flow of magic.
Thanks to last night’s contact with Conrad, her magic was filled up—enough to last two weeks.
If nothing serious happened, she could get by for at least a week.
But if she had to use the magic tool again, her magic might run out and the connection would break.
‘That’s not even the worst of it.’
A mage with sealed magic will slowly die. Heraith knew this, which is why Regina was left beyond the barrier.
She’d die either to monsters or from losing her magic. Either way, they thought she was already as good as dead, so they didn’t bother sending anyone with her.
“Your Majesty, His Majesty is here to eat.”
The announcement snapped Regina out of her thoughts. She looked up and saw Conrad watching her.
When she met his deep blue eyes, Regina couldn’t take a deep breath.
“Lena.”
His voice sounded so gentle that Regina’s shoulders jumped.
His eyes were soft, but there was no laughter in them.
“I have something to talk to you about.”
As if she’d been waiting for this, Regina stood up. Conrad raised his right eyebrow, then let it fall back.
“What is it?”
“I’m going to the Grand Empress’s palace today.”
“…Were you invited?”
Regina motioned to the maids, who brought out the invitation.
The tea time was scheduled for the hottest part of the day, so there was still some time left.
“An outdoor tea party at this hour?”
Even Conrad, who rarely attended social events, was surprised.
“What about food?”
“I just ate.”
Regina added quickly, seeing Conrad’s concern.
“I’ll be back soon.”
“You’d better. If not, I’ll come to the Grand Empress’s palace myself.”
“That’s not necessary.”
Regina reached out and held Conrad’s hand. Her soft, well-kept mage’s hand wrapped around Conrad’s calloused hand, hardened from sword fighting.
Conrad felt his mind finally clear when he felt that gentle touch.
Yes, Regina was strong enough for him not to worry.
‘Her magic should be fine, too.’
After all that last night, she should be full of magic now.
Conrad’s gaze lingered on Regina’s dress.
He had ordered a new dress for her, but Chloe didn’t approve the palace budget.
So he’d called a designer with his own money, but hadn’t heard that they’d taken Regina’s measurements yet.
‘A trick from the Grand Empress, huh.’
Someone had disappeared in the middle of all this and no report had come in.
Usually, it was lower-ranked attendants or soldiers who led visitors around the palace—not knights.
But since it was for Regina’s dress, Conrad sent his own close knights for security.
If the designer went to the Grand Empress’s palace, other knights should have reported it.
But since there was no news, something else must have happened.
‘I’m keeping an eye on it, but it’s annoying.’
Regina stared at him, and Conrad’s eyes widened. He decided to deal with that problem later.
What mattered now was whether Regina had something suitable to wear to tea time.
“Open the Empress’s wardrobe.”
After changing dresses five times, Regina finally left the bedroom—already feeling tired.
But Conrad’s choice was perfect. He picked a dress that suited Regina so well no one could argue.
Everyone who saw her on the way to the Grand Empress’s palace couldn’t take their eyes off her.
Her straight posture, steady walk, long white neck, and the dress showing her shoulders—all made her stand out.
“G-Greetings, Your Majesty.”
“Greetings to the Empire’s Moon!”
She wore no special accessories, but Regina’s appearance left everyone stunned.
She answered each different greeting with a gentle smile.
All the way to the Grand Empress’s palace, people kept greeting her. Even those who used to look down on her for being from a baron’s family bowed and hurried to greet her.
Everyone seemed desperate to make an impression on Regina.
‘It’s the same everywhere.’
People always gathered around if they thought they could get something out of it.
Regina had seen this in the Permang Empire too, so she handled their greetings with ease.
The moment they realized Regina couldn’t give them what they wanted, their attitudes would change.
So Regina didn’t get caught up in their admiration—she kept her calm as people stared at her in awe.
“Greetings to the Empire’s Moon.”
The head attendant waiting at the entrance had an especially impressive mustache today. Regina smiled gracefully and replied to his greeting.
“Today’s etiquette is just right.”
“It’s an honor.”
The sun was at its highest point. The maids shaded Regina with a parasol, but the sun bouncing off the marble was still harsh. Regina didn’t mind.
‘What’s the worst that could happen? Just making me stand in the garden?’
Maybe she’d get splashed with water, or just made to wait a long time. Either way, she wasn’t bothered and followed the attendant calmly.
Far away in the center of the garden, she saw Grand Empress Chloe. There was a huge canopy over Chloe’s head, but nothing on the other side.
“This way, please.”
The head attendant led Regina to the side with no shade, so she walked a little slower.
Even so, Chloe couldn’t find a single fault in Regina’s movement. Chloe’s irritation rose, but she hid it with a perfect smile.
“Greetings, Grand Empress.”
“Welcome, Empress.”
Chloe smoothly called her “Empress.” Regina’s eyes widened, but she thanked Chloe politely.
