🔊 TTS Settings
Chapter 19
”It was a delegation?”
Lucretia’s heart was pounding.
The young man at the front seemed to be the leader of the delegation. His eyes showed curiosity as he looked at the Emperor and Empress, but luckily, he didn’t recognize Lucretia.
“Of course, I was wearing a mask back then,” Lucretia thought, reassuring herself that it would be strange if he recognized her now.
The young man greeted the Emperor and Empress, then stood in front of the Empress. When Lucretia offered her hand, he kissed it politely, following tradition.
The Emperor noticed the raised part of her hand where his lips had touched.
“I am Rai Aloso, representative of the Alora delegation. It is a great honor to meet you.”
Rai smiled warmly after introducing himself. Lucretia returned the greeting, hiding her uneasy feeling. She couldn’t shake the thought that he seemed to hesitate slightly when he kissed her hand.
The delegation offered gifts and thanked the Emperor and Empress for allowing them to stay. They would remain in the palace for a few months.
Silks from the south, tropical fruits, rare plants and animals, and gems from the sea were presented. The imperial officials smiled quietly, pleased by the display of wealth.
“And these are for Her Majesty the Empress. I humbly request that you accept them.”
Lucretia opened the box Rai offered and was surprised. Inside was an unexpected gift—a delicately carved crystal bottle containing pale purple liquid.
“What is this…?”
“Perfume, Your Majesty. It is made from a rare plant that grows only in our country.”
Lucretia examined the bottle with interest. She remembered hearing that in southern regions, perfume was used to mask the natural scent of the people.
Rai explained how to spray it. When she pressed the pump, fragrant droplets spread like a fine mist.
“Ah… this scent.”
Sweet like candy but not overpowering. Unlike the heavy scent of Elnash, this one felt refreshing and clear. Lucretia recognized it—this was the scent from the handkerchief Rai had given her the previous night.
“It smelled so good back then too.”
She clutched the perfume bottle tightly and spoke sincerely.
“Thank you. It’s a wonderful scent.”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s one of my personal favorites as well,” Rai said, smiling with his eyes closed. His expression reminded her more of a golden-furred puppy than a dignified delegate.
After the Alora delegation left, the official schedule finally ended.
Lucretia was exhausted. Meeting many people had been overwhelming, listening to their painful stories had been exhausting, and being next to the Emperor all day had worn her nerves thin.
Just having him near was both overwhelming and awkward. And yet, this man was her husband. The word “husband” felt hollow, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.
“Focus. Don’t miss this chance.”
Days like this, when she could be near the Emperor, were rare. She had to seize the opportunity.
“…Today is Seongmyeong Day, Your Majesty,” she said quietly, hiding her nervousness. The Emperor raised one eyebrow.
“Anyone who wishes may meet me today, regardless of status,” he said.
So…
Lucretia parted her trembling lips.
“Please, allow me a moment alone with you.”
She had come determined today. Asking the Emperor to trust her in words alone wouldn’t work. If she could present evidence that would favor the Emperor and work against Marquis Zepher, perhaps he might listen.
She decided to testify that Marquis Zepher had a private connection with the Minister. The Emperor might already suspect this, but a direct testimony from Lucretia, his trusted aide, could change his view.
The Emperor looked at her. Lucretia suppressed her pounding heart and waited for his response.
After a moment, he spoke.
“It seems the Empress is very confident in her tongue,” he said, his voice icy.
Hearing this first line, Lucretia knew today would be difficult.
“You keep insisting on talking, don’t you?” he said, lifting one side of his mouth.
“That won’t do. I cannot risk being swayed by your smooth words,” he added, with a faint smile.
It was mockery, a complete refusal.
“Your Majesty, even just a moment…!” Lucretia pleaded, though she wanted to scream it at his back. But it was too risky.
“Just a few minutes is enough. Please, grant me a moment.”
The Emperor’s eyes flashed irritation. He scanned the aides and knights left in the audience hall.
“Everyone, leave.”
All the remaining officials bowed and withdrew. Only the two of them remained. Lucretia felt a flicker of hope.
Before she could speak, the Emperor muttered first.
“I already told you. I only want you to live as if I barely exist.”
His sharp eyes pierced her. The hostility in his gaze froze her.
“I do not want an Empress who clings to me like a leech,” he said.
“Or perhaps… did last night’s unfinished business please you?”
Lucretia swallowed hard. The Emperor reached out, pulling her to his waist. She stared at him, wide-eyed like a rabbit.
“It’s unfortunate for me as well,” he said, his hand slowly tracing her side.
Lucretia bit her lips. His touch was over her clothes, but it sent a shiver down her spine.
“If only you were not that man’s accomplice… I might have kept you for myself.”
Heat filled his voice. He knew what lay beneath the fabric—the smooth skin, the taste if he dared. He laughed at the desire rising from his stomach, but it was dangerous to act.
“You have the face of someone suited to a mistress rather than an Empress,” he said.
Lucretia shut her eyes tightly. His words were meant to hurt, to discourage her. She reminded herself not to take them personally.
“Do you want to be mine?” he whispered.
“If you want me in bed, say it,” he added.
“Of course, I will let you in, but not out.”
A cruel statement—he would use her, and nothing else. Her cheeks went pale. He had no intention of listening to her.
‘Of course. He doesn’t need to care what I say,’ she thought.
Then suddenly, the Emperor grabbed a handful of her hair.
“Huh?”
Startled, she stared at her silver hair in his hand. Her heart pounded.
He buried his nose in her hair, inhaled, and lifted his head slightly. When their eyes met, he gave a crooked smile.
“I do not like this,” he said.
“…Excuse me?”
“It doesn’t suit you,” he said.
Her heart sank. The perfume the delegation gave was sweet and comforting, meant for a fully blossomed lady like her half-sister, Eleonora. But the Emperor rose from the throne without hesitation.
“You may rise first,” he said coldly, turning his back.
‘Today, I couldn’t persuade him, I couldn’t even speak properly.’
Instead, she had only received humiliation. If she wasted more time like this, she would never earn his trust. The helplessness that had begun last night washed over her again.
Even if she succeeded in gaining his trust, even if she could escape her father with his help…
“Then what happens next?”
She wasn’t sure if anything meaningful would follow. She had spent her life focusing only on her unfeeling family.
Lucretia returned to the Empress’ palace and was met with unexpected news from Head Lady Jane.
“An invitation has arrived from the representative of the Alora delegation?”
The face of the blonde youth, Rai Aloso, came to mind. He had sent the invitation immediately after leaving her presence.
“…Give me the invitation,” she said.
Reading the letter, her eyes widened. Among the elaborate greetings was a message:
“Are you feeling better from the sweat and exhaustion? I was worried, though you said you were fine.”
‘He knew me,’ Lucretia realized. Rai had recognized her as the woman he had met at the masked ball the night before.
