The Evil Empress Adores Me

The Empress swallowed her tears and nodded.

Bending a bit, the Empress dowagers gaze met Damians.

Her wrinkled hands gently felt Damians cheek.

Hey, how are you here

Damian licked his lips.

.grandma, how can you be out here?

Those scarlet eyes looked at his grandmother, filled with concern.

Im sure the Emperor would never let you see me off.

The Empress dowager felt her heart shatter.

It was because she felt sorry for her grandson, who visibly fretted over her when she finally could see his face for the first time in a long time.

Dont worry, the Emperor doesnt know Im here.

What?

The Emperor thinks that Im at the shrine of Aurelia now.

The Empress dowager who answered in that way held her grandson tightly in her arms.

I left the palace under the pretense of praying to Aurelia for your safe return.

Damians body froze at those words.

In his frozen state, he urgently asked his grandmother.

Arent you overdoing it?

No. Charlize and the Empress suffered more than I did.

Charlize and her Majesty?

At that unexpected answer, Damians eyes flickered.

The Empress dowager nodded her head.

Without their help, I wouldnt have been able to see you like this.

Then Charlize

To fool the Emperor, I had my handmaiden go to the shrine of Aurelia, dressed as me.

.okay.

Damians suppressed reply rang out, seemingly conflicted.

Once again, I owe Charlize and Her Majesty.

.Damian.

Ha, grandma mamaI didnt expect to see you

At that faint voice, tears began to slowly well up.

The Empress dowager embraced Damian with an indescribable joy.

Hes still so young.

No matter how much hes awakened the power of purification, hes going to dangerous lands

After a long hug, the Empress dowager spoke solemnly.

You must come back safely.

Sure. And until I come back, grandma mama must be healthy too.

.yes, pup. Be brave and pray.

The Empress dowager smiled softly.

Pup.

It was a nickname he hadnt heard in a long time.

Damian laughed involuntarily.

After such a long hug.

Damian parted from his grandmothers embrace with a saddened face.

I have to get going, shouldnt you be going too?

Oh, I should.

The Empress dowager also let go of Damian with a regretful expression.

Ah, by the way.

Before getting on his horse, Damian glanced back at his grandmother.

While Im away, please take good care of Charlize.

Charlizeyoure talking about maid Charlize?

Her wrinkled eyes squinted as an eyebrow curled slightly.

Youre worried about her when youre the one leaving? Do you like her that much?

W-Well:

Damians face immediately burned bright red.

Its just that Lize, shes taken good care of me all this time.

Yes, I know that.

The Empress dowager stared at her embarrassed grandson with a playful look.

Dont worry, with the numerous times Ive been indebted to her-

The Empress dowagers smile grew wider.

Even if you didnt say that, I would still look after her.

Thank you.

Damian became relieved after hearing that.

Then Ill be on my way.

Yes, remember to be careful.

Damian, with his head down, passed through the imperial gates, riding his horse.

The Empress dowager stood there as if glued to the spot, staring at the back of her grandson as he rode further and further away into the distance.

A single tear fell from her wrinkled eyes.

***

By now Damian must have departed for the North.

When I returned to my room, I glanced at the chick doll nestled in the pillows on my bed.

A ribbon was wrapped around its neck.

Pippi.

I climbed onto the bed, hugging Pippi tightly in my arms.

The ribbon that Damian gave me made a small rustling sound.

I buried my face in Pippi, thinking to myself.

He safely met the Empress dowager and said his goodbyes.

Traveling such a long distance, please remain in good health.

I heard its freezing in the north, hopefully, Damian can adapt well to it.

Im afraid hell get hurt by beasts.

Numerous thoughts were running through my mind.

I bit my lip.

With a sigh, her voice broke the silence in the room.

..*sigh* I want to see Damian already.