The Evil Empress Adores Me

Ive never heard any of this

maybe, this is how the Emperor gets back at the Empress dowager.

I couldnt be insensitive to the Empress dowagers feelings, so I had to tread carefully.

If this goes on, her Majesty wont be able to see his face until his Highness, the crown prince returns.

Because theres no way the Emperor would ever allow it.

I didnt say it openly but her Majesty was promptly aware of the fact.

The Empress dowager widened her eyes.

Its not even Margrave Antess lands but the Kier plains

Her voice quivered in anger.

Thisits like heh-hes sending my grandson to his death!

Hold on, your Majesty.

How does one even rectify such a situation?! A land where only beasts roam, how would a boy survive!

The Empress dowager has always been so calm, I have never seen her raise her voice like this.

I knew firsthand how furious and devastated she was about this.

I took a deep breath and presented her with an offer.

Then, how about doing this?

***

Just like that, a week passed by without a moments notice.

Damian has been busy ever since and of course, barely has time to meet with Charlize.

It was the day before he would embark per the Emperors order.

The Kier plains, you dont have to go if you dont want to.

The Empress who summoned Damian to sit in front of her suddenly said so.

Damian was wide-eyed.

What? What do you mean?

I dont know any other way to tell you this, but my family had a lot of influence.

At the Empresss bombshell, Damian couldnt conceal his surprise.

It was true.

The Duchess of Rochester, the Empresss mother was the noblest family in the empire.

The Rochester family who served as the head of the council of nobles, helped the current emperor usurp the throne.

Without the help of the former Duke of Rochester, the Empresss father

The current emperor would have never been in the position he is now.

The Empress continued with a straight face.

With the help of my family, I can pressure the Emperor to protect your Highness.

Your Majesty. Its

Also, arrangements have been made to ensure his Highness gets out of this situation.

The Empresss voice remained calm.

Naturally, you must be quite surprised to hear this news a day before departure. I can understand that.

Those cold dark green eyes looked straight at Damian.

However, I need time to prepare too.

WhyI dont get this.

As long as his Highness says Yes.

The Empress spoke firmly.

No matter what happens, Ill get his Highness out of this clear-cut order meant to subjugate you.

What? thought Damian internally.

Dumbstruck, his eyes popped wide open.

The Empress continued.

Id like to add one more thing, you dont have to feel pressured by my proposal.

The Empresss beautiful face was as calm as a tranquil lake.

Damian, who still had the Empress in his sight, asked abruptly.

Why?

A deep crease had formed over Damians brow.

Did Charlize by any chance ask Her Majesty for this?

No, Charlize has nothing to do with this.

Then, why do this? Damian asked.

Up to this point, as an adult and an empress.Ive never taken responsibility for you, your Highness.

No one has ever treated Damian as a child.

In response to that unexpected answer, Damian blinked blankly.

He was forced to grow up to survive, and thats still the case today.

If your Highness, who isnt even an adult yet, is sent to the forefront to all those beasts

The Empress dropped her shoulders slightly.

Needless to say, my conscience will be bothered, and I wont be able to sleep at night.

.is this why Charlize admires her Majesty so much?

Damian was convinced by a familiar but painful feeling of defeat.

For Charlize, the Empress was the only adult she could count on.

Her Majestys kindness must have been the only joy she had in her arduous imperial life.

Just as the Empress means much to Charlize, so too is Charlize the same to Damian.

Also, my brother thinks the same way.

The Empresss eyes narrowed.

Word spread that her brother had recently gotten into a big argument with the Emperor.

It was due to the problem of the crown princes emperor-ordained task.

Your Majesty, are you mad?!

Rochester, are you finished talking?!

Im not done yet!

The Duke who was usually composed, raised his voice, something seldom seen by others.

What is this? Crown prince Damian has yet to even reach the age of maturity!

He still cant control the power of the divine beast, cant he? His body alone wont be enough to protect him!

Having the power of the divine beast is not a reason to drive his Highness into lands fraught with perilous danger!!

No.

The Emperor twisted the tips of his lips into a scowl.

It may not be enough for the Duke, but I have enough reason to send the crown prince to Margrave Antess lands.

Seeing the stubbornness of the Emperor that was akin to an impregnable fortress, the Duke was at a loss for words.

The Empress shook his head, clicking his tongue.

Theres just no seeing eye to eye with you Duke. A shame, I got along very well with the previous duke

.shocking.

Who would have thought conversing with the Emperor wouldnt produce any results, huh?

The Duke clenched his teeth.

In the end, the differences between the Emperor and the Duke were not settled, not even in the slightest bit.

The voices arguing going back and forth were chilling.

Throughout the national assembly, the officials were caught up in witnessing the exchange between the Duke and the Emperor.

The Empress paused for a moment, muttering to herself.

Alas, if the crown prince leavesCharlize will be heartbroken.