The Evil Empress Adores Me

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Yes?

The blank check my brother gave you as a gift. When are you going to use that?

At the Empresss words, both Damian and I were flabbergasted at the same time.

After a while, I jumped up from my spot.

Can I really use that?!

It was given to you to use, you didnt think it was for decoration, now did you?

The Empress asked me back, narrowing her eyes.

Oh no.

Can the most troubling budget problem weve had be solved so easily?

Blinking my eyes, I hurriedly waved both hands at the Empress.

But itll be too much of a burden for the Duke. I dont know how much itll cost.

Charlize, my brothers pride wouldve been hurt if he heard you say that.

Ah-ha.

I laughed awkwardly.

Well, the Rochester household has built the greatest wealth in the empire.

Im sure the Duke would have been straight-faced if he had heard me.

Kid. You dare look down on the Rochesters?

.I can already hear his voice snapping at me.

However, a financial burden is still a burden

Still, theres no justification for the Rochesters to support Lebane.

Oh? You think theres no justification?

The Empress looked back at me with a rather bewildered face.

What?

I panicked slightly.

The Empress continued in an unusual tone.

As you may know, public opinion about his Majesty hasnt been very good as of late.

Even though the Emperor was officially the Empresss husband, her voice was rather sharp and scornful when speaking of him.

And the Rochester household contributed the most to the Emperors ascension to the throne.

that means.

It means if you were to do something wrong, the dissatisfaction with the Emperor may affect the Rochesters as well.

The Empress leaned back on the sofa and spoke leisurely.

My older brother has been most wary of that problem lately.

So, now that things are like this, is he going to act independently of His Majesty, the Emperor?

My Charlize is smart as well.

Seeing the Empresss happy gaze, I blushed without realizing it.

At the same time, Damian widened his eyes and stared at me.

Youre blushing over someone else when your fiancs right beside you

Prince, you still think youve beaten me in obtaining Charlizes affection?

Damian was at a loss for words.

Wearing a victors smile, the Empress cast a single glance at Damian before continuing.

The Rochesters will support the Crown Princes rescue of Lebane, sparing no support from the rear.

The Empresss tone of voice was quite proud.

The media will have questions though; the reporters are not fools.

I guess so. Normally, I would have supported Lebane by voting on the budget.

It would certainly be out of the ordinary.

Not only are the Crown Prince and the Emperor acting independently, but the Duke of Rochester, whos expected to stand with the Emperor, is supporting the Crown Prince.

With a wicked smile, the Empress added.

Anyway, hasnt His Majesty already used the media to slander you during the memorial service?

It was as if she was subtly saying, You thought I forgot that?

The Empresss voice was eerie as she muttered that.

Umm, I should never get on the Empresss bad side.

Lets just say this is a way of getting back at him.

The Empress, after having said so, smiled brightly.

Anyway, my brother and I will take care of this, so theres no need to worry, Charlize.

thank you very much for the solution, Your Majesty.

Damian spoke in a gruff voice.

Will you let me join in on the conversation?

The Empress cheekily responded to his protest sarcastically.

Oh, my gosh, Prince. Youre still here?

Damian fell silent again.

I looked at Damian with a pitiful gaze.

Hey, Damian.

Even if you were to refine and hone yourself your whole life, I dont think you can beat the Empress

***

A few days later.

Damian and I went to Lebane.

Oh, my god

I couldnt hide my shocked expression.

The area where the typhoon passed was left in a dismal state.

It wasnt uncommon to see buildings damaged by heavy winds and rain, with shattered windows and collapsed buildings here and there.

The land itself was completely overturned from the rain, hideously exposing soil and sand.

And whats worse was

Its raining too much.

It was still raining.

As I watched the downpour, I scrunch my forehead without realizing it.

Even though the typhoon had passed, the wind had barely subsided.

If this continues, secondary and tertiary damage may follow suit.

First, lets get a report on the situation.

At Damians behest, the major officials of Lebane City gathered at City Hall, which was still intact.

Every official there was visibly worried.

Several problems abounded.

Continuous rain and collapsed buildings were still lying around.

The homeless and drifters required help.

Excessive rain led to the dams rising water level.

But the biggest problem by far was

an epidemic, is that correct?

Yes.

Officials couldnt hide their disheartened expressions.

Damians face hardened.

As the rain fell, the sewage system stopped functioning. Finding clean water is like picking stars from the sky.

Were trying to avoid consuming contaminated water by all means, but clean water is in short supply.

Things are definitely not going well.

I glanced sideways at Damian.

He narrowed his eyes and asked the officials.

Have you tried communicating with the other lords or mayors around you?

Weve already tried requesting help several times but the only response we receive is to ask for help from the imperial family

Moreover, the city of Lebane is under the imperial familys direct control, so the lords are more hesitant to interfere

The officials gave a negative response.

Damian clicked his tongue.

They only know the issues on the surface.

At the same moment, an intense expression began to take over the previously calm Damian.

Go and ask them, If an epidemic breaks out in Lebane in earnest, where will it go?

Thats right.

I nodded slightly.

Lebane was a large city located in the center of the vast south and was a major transportation hub.

If an epidemic breaks out in Lebane

It means its only a matter of time before it spreads to other nearby cities.

Damian continued with a cold voice.

Even if they argue that its not their concern to restore a destroyed city, infectious diseases are another matter.

Yes, Your Highness, acknowledged an official.

If the epidemic spreads to other territories, itll be too late.

Damians voice gained strength.

Please be aware that this could be a problem for the entire South, not just Lebane.

Ill keep that in mind, Your Highness, responded the official.

However, I am not asking for free help.

At those words, the officials suddenly raised their heads.

Their expressions brightened slightly.

Damian gave a small nod as if telling them not to worry.

We received support from the Duke of Rochester. I will also spare enough support.

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the officials widened.

So, please inform them that you can pay them enough compensation.

Y-You received support from the Duke of Rochester?

The officials asking those questions had bright faces without knowing it.

I knew very well what emotions were on their faces.

It was Hope.

The expressions on their faces were almost like they had witnessed a miracle.

I softly bit my lip.

How many times had they been shunned by the Emperorto the point, they reacted in such a way?

Damian also seemed to feel the same way as I did.

A look of pity was plastered on his face.

***

After the meeting.

Seeing the officials dispersing, I turned to Damian.

Now, you and I should each do our part.

I should. But

Damian shook his head and looked at me with a hard expression.

You wont.

.what?

I couldnt hide my bewilderment.

However, Damian only continued with a determined voice.

You should go back.

what do you mean?

I glared at Damian.

He met my gaze with a blank expression.

Theres an epidemic going around.