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~Chapter 32~
…A heavy silence fell over the table.
Lady Lowen and Lady Crawford stared at Aisha in shock. Belmore glanced nervously at Roselia’s expression, while Killian—cut off mid-sentence—just stared at Aisha, dumbfounded.
And Roselia…
She was looking straight at Aisha with a calm, unreadable face.
“What do you mean by that, Lady Aisha? Are you saying that one’s birth has no effect at all on achieving greatness?”
“……”
“If I understood correctly, then aren’t you denying the very system of status and class that our Drakxion Empire is built upon?”
Roselia was not just a noble. She was the Empress Dowager, the highest figure in the Imperial Family. Such words, to her, could only be offensive.
“Oh my, Your Majesty.”
But Aisha didn’t flinch.
“If that’s how Your Majesty understood my words, then I must apologize. How could I ever say something so outrageous? And in front of you, no less?”
Instead, she widened her eyes slightly, smiling innocently as she went on.
“I only meant to say this: that a true noble cause should be something anyone can dream of.”
“……”
“And perhaps that’s why the people of Drakxion respect Your Majesty. After all, you appointed knights regardless of status, didn’t you?”
It was true. Long ago, Roselia had recruited guards from all walks of life when she first gained power.
She had claimed: If one can fight for the Imperial Family, status does not matter.
Of course, in reality, she had only needed disposable soldiers—lives that could be thrown away without consequence.
‘Thanks, Til! Who knew your gossip would help me like this?’
Aisha remembered hearing that story from him.
“I even heard some of those knights still serve you today. When I found out, I admired you deeply, Your Majesty.”
“……”
“Surely it was because you believe the same as I do—that greatness has nothing to do with one’s birth.”
From Roselia’s perspective, Aisha had trapped her neatly. If she denied Aisha’s words now, it would mean she was rejecting the very knights she herself had once chosen.
Roselia said nothing for a while, only staring at Aisha. Her crimson eyes glowed sharply, and anyone else would have trembled.
But Aisha didn’t look away. She only smiled brightly, as if overjoyed.
Someone once said—
The strongest always seem carefree.
Right now, Aisha was proving it.
“Lady Aisha…”
Finally, after a long silence, Roselia’s lips curved slowly.
“You certainly are… interesting.”
“……”
“Or should I say, unusual.”
“That is exactly what made me fall for Lady Aisha in the first place,” Killian said with a faint smile, gazing at her as if she were the most lovable woman in the world.
“I am glad Your Majesty sees her charms. She has many more virtues, which I hope you will witness in time.”
Honestly, Aisha’s whole body broke out in chills. But what could she do? She was the one who had started this fight.
“Very good.”
Roselia smiled again.
“But tell me, Lady Aisha—what hobbies do you have?”
…Hobbies?
“Do you, perhaps, enjoy writing?”
She was testing her.
This was clearly a way to probe whether Aisha had ties to Sunday’s Exposé.
“I don’t really have any particular hobbies,” Aisha replied with a calm smile.
“As for writing… hmm. I sometimes keep a diary, but I don’t think I’m very talented.”
“I see.”
Roselia nodded thoughtfully.
“Then would you join me in my hobby, Lady Aisha?”
“…Pardon?”
“These days, I’ve been collecting poems written by the noble ladies I know. If you would compose one here and now, I’d be delighted to treasure it.”
‘Oh, come on. She just wants to see my handwriting. What poem nonsense is this?’
Still, Aisha put on a graceful smile.
“Of course. It would be my honor. My skills can’t compare to others’, but I’ll do my best.”
“Bill.”
At Roselia’s call, the knight Bill stepped forward, carrying fine paper and a feather quill pen.
Receiving the tools, Aisha glanced at the Empress Dowager, who nodded, urging her to write.
“……”
After a brief pause to think, Aisha began writing a short poem. Soon, she respectfully handed the paper back.
“My humble work… I hope it pleases Your Majesty.”
Roselia’s eyes swept over the lines. After a moment of silence, she let out a soft laugh.
“Very well. I shall keep it safe. Duke Killian must be overjoyed to have such a charming fiancée.”
“That is true. And I am even happier, knowing I can be with the one I love.”
…That was it. Aisha’s limit. She felt like she was going to throw up.
“……Lady Aisha?”
Killian quickly seized the chance.
“It seems her body is unwell. Since childhood, she has always been frail—long outings often tire her.”
Me? Frail?
“If it would not be disrespectful, Your Majesty, may we take our leave first?”
“I was about to end this gathering anyway. You may go.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Helping Aisha rise, Killian discreetly poked her side.
“It was a delightful time. Thank you again for your gracious invitation.”
Aisha bowed politely, and Roselia nodded with a kind smile.
Then Killian and Aisha left together.
Behind them…
“……”
They didn’t notice Belmore’s uneasy gaze following them.
