The Abandoned Empress Will Not Return

“What rumor……?”

 

“The nonsensical story that the Empress was worried about me and couldn’t sleep well at night.”

 

When did it become so inflated again?

 

As Rodelia frowned deeply, seemingly asking what he was talking about, Cerdian waved his hand briefly.

 

“If you don’t want to, I’ll find another way.”

 

“……What are you going to do with the rumor?”

 

“I can’t tell you right now, but can you just trust me?”

 

“Well…”

 

Rodelia’s forehead, as she rubbed her lips, narrowed.

 

In fact, even if there were such rumors, her situation would not be much different from how it was now.
After all, her reputation within the imperial palace had already fallen to the bottom.

 

On the contrary, if such a rumor was spread, it would be a disgrace to Kane’s prestige, so it was like repaying what she received.

 

How bewildering was it for the emperor and empress to fall in love with the Aizen siblings? It was a compelling story indeed.

 

So far, the rumor is that “Cerdian is interested in the Empress,” but this time, “Rodelia also gave her heart to the Grand Duke.” will spread even faster.

 

But she was curious about Cerdian’s intentions.
Why is he trying to spread such rumors?

 

“Is there a good reason to spread the rumor? Is it hard to find an alternative?”

 

“We can find an alternative.
However, I think this method will work the fastest.”

 

Cerdian’s expression was firm.
Rodelia bit her lip worriedly because he seemed so sure.

 

There wasn’t much time.
At this rate, she might miss the opportunity to wipe out the slave trade.
Perhaps the way he proposed would be the best way to prevent innocent sacrifices.

 

Sometimes one has to know how to sacrifice oneself for the position of empress.

 

After she was done thinking, Rodelia looked at Cerdian calmly.

 

“……Alright, it’s not a complete lie, so let’s spread the word.
In return, show me that my choice is not wrong.
It has to be a guaranteed way.”

 

“Okay.
Then…….”

 

With a meaningful smile, Cerdian leaned back toward her and whispered.

 

“Let’s do it right.”

 

***

 

“Your Majesty, Head Chamberlain Ferna has something to tell you privately.”

 

The one who delivered the news to the resting Kane was Revlon who had secured the position of de facto Head Chamberlain.

 

He naturally approached Kane, who was reading in an armchair, and handed him the documents he received.

 

“It’s obvious that it’s useless.
There’s nothing to see, so throw it away right now.”

 

Kane’s mood had been pretty low lately.
He seemed to be concerned about the unpleasant rumor that had been circulating in the palace for several days, and it was the same today.

 

From the moment Cerdian stepped into the palace, nothing had gone smoothly.
It was the same now.

 

“How on earth did the Empress behave that such an absurd rumor is spreading?”

 

Kane muttered angrily.
How much will the people talk about him not being able to control one of his wives properly?

 

The emperor’s prestige was being ruined.

 

[I’ll take it myself.]

 

Recalling Cerdian’s face that seemed to be laughing at him, he threw the book he was reading through the window; but his boiling anger did not subside.

 

“That’s…… I think you’d better check it.”

 

“It’s not a big deal.”

 

When Revlon spoke with a serious face, Kane turned away from him and finally snatched the documents.
He read it with a dull expression but his face distorted instantaneously.

 

“What’s this nonsense?”

 

Kane, with a slightly angry voice, crumpled the paper fiercely.
He hit the armrest of the chair hard with his fist and ordered Revlon.

 

“……call Ferna right now.”

 

“Yes.”

 

A little later, Ferna appeared in a crouched posture beside Revlon.
His face had been a little emaciated since he last saw him.
Kane coldly stared at him and uttered a low voice.

 

“From this moment, you will answer my questions truthfully.
Is the news you delivered true?”

 

“It’s true.”

 

Kane laughed when he saw Ferna answering quite seriously.

 

“How can I trust you, an incompetent person who couldn’t properly monitor the empress?”

 

“If you ask me that, I have no excuse.
However I wish to convey that what I’m telling you are only facts.”

 

Kane’s face sharply twisted from his answer, which didn’t feel false at all.

 

“Isn’t this too absurd? How can I believe that Grand Duke Aizen is planning a rebellion?”

 

“……I saw it clearly.”

 

“You witnessed it? Where the hell?”

 

“At the entrance to the North Gate, I heard him tell the captain of the Grand Duchy’s guards where to gather.
It’s probably a secret training place.
You can send someone there to confirm it.”

 

“Why did you go there? Even if what you’re saying is true, how can he plan such a big thing in plain sight? It must be a trap.”

 

Kane waved Ferna off as if it was not worth hearing more.

 

It was an opportunity that he got, but he couldn’t blow it away like this.
He had to maintain his position as the Head Chamberlain.

 

He wasn’t going to say this.

 

“……The army of Grand Duke Aizen are specialized in assassination.”

 

Kane’s eyes turned to him again.

 

“Stop talking nonsense, and I’ll call you back soon, so leave for now.”

 

He dismissed Ferna’s words and leaned back in his chair.
Only then did Ferna, who had a brighter impression, leave the office with light steps.

 

Kane, who opened the crumpled document again, stared at it.

 

After gathering at the Concielle Tavern, infiltrate the Imperial Palace.>

 

If this is true, time is tight.
He had to check it out quickly.

 

“Revlon, go and look into it for now.”

 

“……Yes.”

 

“It remains to be seen whether or not they are truly raising rebels.”

 

Revlon, who investigated it under Kane’s command, soon found out that the information Ferna had delivered was true.

 

***

 

“It’s finally today.”

 

Rodelia, who was biting her nails nervously, paced back and forth.

 

According to information from Marquis Florence, the day of the slave trade would be held at 6 a.m.
this morning.

 

She couldn’t take his word for it, but she had no other choice.
She had no other option but to believe in Cerdian’s plan, not the Marquis’.….

 

“It’s going to work out.”

 

By Rodelia’s side, Viscountess Cohen, who patted her on the back, handed her a teacup.
Taking it, she emptied her cup in an instant as if she were thirsty.

 

“At times like this, it’s very inconvenient that I can’t leave the palace as I want.”

 

Rodelia, who rambled in a low voice anxiously, moved to the window and looked down at the scenery of the capital.
The dark streets were quiet because the sun had not risen yet.

 

There will probably be a commotion in a little while.

 

“Will you leave if you can?”

 

Viscountess Cohen whispered meaningfully as she stood with a pensive face.
Rodelia’s clear eyes turned to her.

 

“……I wish I could go out of course, but you know well that I can’t.”

 

“Well, I think I might have a way.”

 

“How?”

 

Nodding slowly, the madam’s plump lips rose in a crescent shape.

 

“His Majesty has just left the palace.
It’s still early in the morning, and there’s plenty of time before His Majesty returns.
It’s not that difficult to get out of the palace secretly with a competent lady-in-waiting.
Sometimes you have to use the usual method.”

 

Normally, she would have waved her hand saying that she could never do it, but she didn’t want to do that today.
Seeing her brimming with confidence, it was weak but she somehow felt assured.

 

In fact, most of the guards stationed in the palace have not closely encountered the empress except for a few.
So it may really be easy to get out of the palace if she disguises herself well next to the madam.

 

In addition, after Sola took power, it was rare to catch sight of the empress.
As she said, if Kane had left the palace, no one would be looking for her.

 

“Very well.
On such an important day, I mustn’t just sit still.”

 

Thankfully, her answer came out clearly.
The lady began to skillfully prepare to go outside, as if she had been waiting for that answer.

 

After searching the closet, she came out with a frown, told her to wait and left the room.
Soon after, she came in with a faded navy dress on her arm.
She would be dressed as a maid doing chores for the imperial family.

 

“Go with this?”

 

“Yes, and we should cover your hair…”

 

Mumbling, she went to the attached small storage room and took out an old hat.

 

“This should be enough.”

 

Rodelia received the dress and hat she gave her and began to change.
After carefully hiding her hair into the hat, she rummaged through a drawer one last time and took out a round pair of glasses to wear.

 

“What do you think? At this rate, the other maids won’t recognize me, right?”

 

“Yes, I don’t think His Majesty will know if he saw you from a distance.
Oh, watch your step.”

 

Rodelia, who looked around a little awkwardly, nodded slowly.

 

“Now you have to pretend to be my maid, can you?”

 

“Of course.
I don’t want to get caught.”

 

A gentle smile lingered on Viscountess Cohen’s lips then disappeared.
She continued with a slightly tense look.

 

“But are you not going to tell Marquis Florence? If he was trying to help Your Majesty and became guilty with them…….”

 

“That won’t happen.”

 

Her firm answer made Viscountess Cohen look puzzled.

 

“My father has never been a person to jump into a pit of fire…There are many high-ranking aristocrats involved, so only those responsible and some of the guilty will be punished.”

 

“Oh, that’s a relief.”

 

‘Is it really a relief?’

 

Rodelia, who laughed bitterly, took a step, swallowing the words she couldn’t say.