episode_0046

In the quiet atmosphere, Assisi continued to lament.

“After giving birth to me, my mother faced health issues and couldn’t bear any more children. But that alone would have been fine. I wouldn’t insist on having a younger brother just for the sake of it, but I am qualified to be an emperor as well.”

According to imperial law, nobles are allowed to have multiple wives. It goes without saying that the emperor, who stands above all nobles, can do so.

Assisi’s words implied just that. If the emperor had another wife and a son, there would have been no problem at all.

Of course, compared to the tradition of a legitimate heir ascending to the throne, this would greatly diminish the traditional aspect. There might even be opposition from other nobles.

However, there is no other way. When comparing a legitimate daughter and a son, it is right for the son to ascend to the throne.

The problem is…

“The emperor distanced himself from women other than his wife.”

In a country where polygamy is allowed, insisting on monogamy could be considered quite romantic. To the extent that one might want to marry such a man if possible.

However, that was just the sentiment of one woman. From the perspective of a woman living a life of stubbornness disguised as romance, it was utterly resented.

Because her father was romantic, because he wanted to love only her mother.

It was something she had to endure.

Albert, who had been silently listening to the story, cautiously asked.

“Is Your Highness okay with that?”

“Even if I’m not okay with it, what can I do? If it were revealed now that I’m a princess, it would truly cause a stir in the empire.”

A grand drama presenting a princess as a prince.

Everything in the empire lies beneath the royal family, but that is also made possible because the people below steadfastly support it.

If the citizens who have lost trust in the royal family rise up, it will undoubtedly cause significant trouble.

As Albert continued with these thoughts, a word came to mind.

A word wishing to disappear from the world forever.

Civil war.

“No, no…,”

Associating that with the prince is too extreme a thought.

The ones who caused the civil war are extreme reformists, and those fellows are like bombs that don’t need a fuse. They are always ready to explode without needing a spark.

However, if by any chance Hwangja is involved with the extreme reformists, it would be regrettable, but next time we will meet as enemies.

Albert sincerely hoped that such a thing would not happen. For the empire’s sake, and for the sake of the knights he had fought alongside.

“Oh, by the way, I must tell you in all seriousness, this matter should not be disclosed to anyone else. Not to friends, and certainly not to family.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

With a composed tone, Albert’s response finally allowed Luna to understand his actions.

Why he hadn’t confided in her about Hwangja, why he had said it was okay for her to leave. His heart began to flutter as he realized that everything had been for his sake.

Ashamed of having been jealous in ignorance, his face flushed, and he felt his heart warm towards the woman who had thought of him.

“Master Albert, your ears are quite red, but it’s alright…”

At Hwangja’s words, Albert hurriedly covered his ears with his hands. It was because he was too embarrassed to show them. Even though his actions revealed his emotions, he couldn’t bring himself to care about that.

Hwangja didn’t miss it and smirked.

“It’s quite nice. But please don’t forget that I’m also protecting those emotions. After all, I could turn the empire upside down if I got angry, you know?”

“Please, at least refrain from that.”

It was almost as if he couldn’t bring himself to smile. Of all people, it had to be the next emperor who made the joke. It was a joke that was feasible, enough to make the atmosphere cool.

“Now I understand.”

Albert felt as if he had unknowingly realized why Aaron’s expression hadn’t been good.

It must have been quite difficult by Hwangja’s side.

“It’s truly enjoyable to speak freely like this after so long. I am truly fortunate to have you on my side.”

“I am honored to be able to support you, Your Highness.”

An ordinary conversation without any tricks or artifice.

It was possible because the prince first revealed his weaknesses.

Tap-.

The prince, who had taken a sip of water, put down the cup and said, “Albert, I’ll just ask you frankly about this.”

“Yes, I will answer as much as I can.”

Albert thought to himself.

At the very least, he should not tell lies.

For him, it was proper and courteous to reveal everything.

Moreover, in order to maintain a harmonious relationship in the future, he had to do so.

Tap, tap, tap.

The prince’s fingers began to drum on the table.

“You, who have been called a wastrel until now, haven’t suddenly changed like someone else. Frankly, I don’t think it makes sense. What exactly are you hiding?”

“I’m not hiding anything. It’s just that I’ve come to my senses late.”

There was no hesitation in Albert’s response.

It was because the expected question had come out just as he had anticipated.

On the one hand, it was regrettable.

Because the truth could not be told due to the hope that came true.

Of course, what he hoped for wasn’t necessarily that kind of answer, but it didn’t matter.

“Come to your senses…”

The prince couldn’t easily believe it. There might be some reason, but it’s not easy for someone to become a different person overnight.

However, there was no sharp retort either. He just had to believe it if that’s how it was.

“If that’s the case, I’m glad.”

“Yes, I am truly sorry that it’s too late for my parents….”

“It’s not too late. The moment you think it’s too late is the fastest moment. Don’t be too disheartened.”

“Thank you. But it’s not very comforting.”

At the joke Albert threw, there was a moment of chilly silence.

‘Did I say too much…?’

To throw a joke at the prince, especially after he had comforted the prince himself, was a situation where it wouldn’t be strange at all to be held accountable for disrespect.

It was at that moment that Albert began to break out in a cold sweat.

Puff-!

The prince burst into laughter.

“Ah, ha, ha….”

Relieved, Albert could finally show a smile.

And he thought to himself that he would never make such jokes again.

Albert turned his head at the feeling of someone pulling on his clothes, and there was Luna, with her usual expressionless face.

“Is there something on your mind?”

“It’s nothing major, really…”

“It’s okay. Speak freely.”

Although Albert smiled, Luna didn’t seem inclined to engage in conversation.

In truth, he hadn’t called her over with anything specific in mind. He just felt uncomfortable seeing the prince and Albert chatting and laughing.

So, Luna tried to think of something to say, but she was too flustered to come up with a response.

“I, I just… I want to visit the garden again.”

“If that’s what you desire, I will inform the prince…”

“It seems you quite like the royal garden. There’s no reason not to go. Let’s go.”

As the prince readily agreed, Albert stood up and reached out to Luna.

“Luna, let’s go.”

Looking at the two of them, the prince, seemingly incredulous, eventually couldn’t contain his envy and called for his guard.

“Aron!”

“Did you call, Your Highness?!”

Aron rushed in, scanning the room, wondering if something had happened.

However, there seemed to be no reason to call for a guard so urgently.

His wandering gaze finally settled on the prince, who was reaching out as if asking to be held.

But when Aron hesitated, the prince’s brow furrowed.

“What are you waiting for? Don’t you see I need help?”

“Sorry….”

Aron quickly bowed and took the prince’s hand in his own.

Watching them, Albert thought to himself, “Endure.”

It was a choice he made for himself.

Enduring would be the right thing to do.

The returned garden once again.

Tea time that has come back again.

As Asili, who poured tea with flawless movements, said,

“Come to think of it, there will be an academy entrance exam in a while. Do you two have any thoughts on that?”

The answer to that, of course…