episode_0046

In a quiet atmosphere, Asili continued to complain.

“After giving birth to me, my mother was unable to have any more children due to health problems. But, if that’s all it is, it’s okay. Rather than insisting on only legitimate children, illegitimate children are also qualified to become emperor.”

By imperial law, all nobles were allowed to be polygamous. Needless to say, the emperor stands above all nobles.

That’s what Asili said. If the emperor had another wife and an illegitimate son, there would have been no problem.

Of course, compared to the case where the legitimate son ascends to the position of emperor, the tradition will be greatly reduced. There may be opposition from other nobles.

But, there is nothing we can do about it. Comparing a illegitimate woman and a bastard, it is right that the bastard ascend to the position of emperor.

the problem is… .

‘The emperor stayed away from women other than his wife.’

It could be said that it was truly romantic to insist on monogamy in a country where polygamy was allowed. To the point where I think I would like to marry a man like that if possible.

However, that was just my impression as a woman. As someone who ended up living the life of a cross-dressing woman due to her stubbornness under the guise of romanticism, I felt extremely resentful.

Because my father was a romantic, and because he wanted to love alone with my mother.

It was something that had to be suffered.

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

“Prince, are you okay with that?”

“Even if it’s not okay, what can you do? Now, if it is revealed that I am the princess, there will be a bloody storm in the empire.”

An epic drama in which the princess was presented as the prince.

It is said that everything in the empire lies at the feet of the imperial family, but this is also possible because the people are firmly holding on from below.

If the people who lost trust in the imperial family rose up, it would definitely cause quite a stir.

As Albert continued his thoughts, a word came to mind.

A word that I wish would disappear from the world forever.

civil war.

‘No, no…’ .’

It is too much of a stretch to tie it to the prince.

The people who started the civil war are extreme reformers, and as they say, they are at the level of a bomb that needs no fuse. Even if there is no spark, it can be seen that it is ready to explode at any time.

However, if even in the unlikely event that the prince is involved with the Extreme Reform faction, it would be unfortunate, but next time we will meet as enemies.

Albert hoped that nothing like that would happen. Not only for the empire, but also for the guard knights who fought with their swords.

“Ah, just for your information, I would like to tell you that you should not reveal this to anyone else. The same goes for friends and family.”

“I will keep this in mind.”

Albert, who answered in a calm tone, was only then able to understand Luna’s actions.

Why didn’t he tell me the story about the prince, and why did he ask me to leave because it was okay? When I realized that everything was for my own benefit, my heart began to pound.

His face heated up because he was ashamed of his past of being jealous due to foolish delusions without knowing anything, and his face also heated up at the thought of her thinking of him.

“Prince Albert, your ears are quite red, but it’s okay… .”

Hearing the prince’s words, Albert hurriedly raised his hands and covered his ears. It was because I was too embarrassed to show it. That action was like revealing his feelings, but he couldn’t care less about that.

The prince didn’t miss that and burst into laughter.

“It’s such a good time. But please don’t forget that I am protecting those feelings as well. If you get angry, you can easily overturn the empire, right?”

“Please be patient with me.”

Should I say that I can’t help but laugh? After all, wasn’t it the next emperor who was joking? It was a joke that could come true, so much so that it chilled my stomach.

‘I understand now.’

Albert felt like he realized why Aaron’s expression was not good.

It must not have been quite easy being by the prince’s side.

“It’s been a while since I’ve had this kind of conversation, and I’m really happy. I’m so glad to have you on my side.”

“I am honored to be able to be of help to the prince.”

An ordinary conversation without any scheming.

This was possible because the prince first revealed his weaknesses.

widely-.

The prince, who drank water, put down the water cup and said.

“Prince Albert, let me just ask you honestly what happened.”

“Yes, I am happy to answer.”

Albert thought.

At least you shouldn’t tell lies.

For him, who revealed everything, it is duty and courtesy.

It was also necessary to do so in order to maintain smooth relations in the future.

Tok-, tok-, tok-.

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

“Didn’t you, who until now was called a fool, suddenly turn into someone else? Honestly, I don’t think it makes sense. What on earth are you hiding?”

“There is nothing to hide. It’s just that I came to terms with it too late.”

There was no hesitation in Albert’s answer.

This was because the questions that were expected came out exactly as expected.

On the one hand, it was a pity.

Because my expectations were correct, I was unable to give a true answer.

Of course, it doesn’t matter because that’s not the answer he wants.

“I have grown up… .”

The prince could not easily believe it. There may be some reason, but becoming a different person overnight is not as easy as it sounds.

However, that didn’t mean there were any sharp moves. I just have to believe that if he is.

“If that’s the case, I’m glad.”

“Yes, it’s too late and I’m sorry to my parents… .”

“It’s late. It is said that the moment you think it is too late is the fastest moment. Don’t worry too much.”

“Thank you. However, it doesn’t provide much comfort.”

There was a moment of cold silence at the joke Albert made.

‘Is it too early…? ?’

You’re telling a joke to the prince, and that’s because the prince himself comforted you.

It was not strange at all to be accused of being blasphemous.

Albert was just about to break into a cold sweat.

Fuha-!

The prince burst out laughing.

“Aha, ha, ha… .”

Albert, who felt relieved, was only then able to smile.

I thought about that. That I will never tell a joke again.

After looking at him and laughing for a moment, Albert turned his head when he felt a tug on the hem of his clothes.

Luna was there. With an expressionless face as usual.

“Is something wrong?”

[Well, that’s not really a big deal… .]

“It’s okay. Please speak comfortably.”

Albert said with a smile, but Luna’s pen did not move easily.

To be exact, I didn’t call you from the beginning because I had something to say. It was just that I felt uncomfortable seeing the prince and Albert laughing and talking.

So, Luna hurriedly began to think of something to say, but in her embarrassed state, there was no way she could come up with an answer easily.

[Well, that’s… .]

The letters written in the air were crooked, as if they represented her thoughts.

Then, a insight suddenly occurred to her.

[Garden, I want to go to the garden one more time.]

“Ah, in that case, I will tell the prince… .”

“I think you really liked the castle’s garden. Why not? Let’s go right away.”

After the prince gave his willing permission, Albert stood up and extended his hand to Luna.

“Luna, let’s go.”

Luna felt her uncomfortable mind becoming more comfortable as she looked at the hand stretched out in front of her.

I still didn’t know why I was feeling that way.

Nodding, Luna held Albert’s hand and stood up.

The prince, who was watching the two in bewilderment, eventually couldn’t hold back his envy and summoned his bodyguard.

“Aaron-!”

“Did you call me?!”

At the prince’s call, Aaron opened the door and came inside.

He quickly scanned his surroundings to see if anything was happening.

However, no matter how I looked at it, there was nothing worth calling out loud for an escort.

The gaze that had nowhere to go eventually turned to the prince.

The prince was stretching out his hand. As if he was asking me to hold him.

Still, as he waited, wondering if anything would happen, the prince’s brows narrowed.

“What are you doing? Not holding it?”

“Sorry… .”

Aaron quickly lowered his head and held the prince’s hand with both hands.

Albert thought as he watched the two of them.

‘Hold on.’

Isn’t it something you have chosen yourself?

It would be right to hold on.

* * * * *

The garden is back again.

Tea time has arrived again.

Asili said, sipping tea with simple movements.

“Now that I think about it, there was an academy entrance exam not long after. Do you two have any thoughts?”

The answer to that is of course… .