The Evil Empress Adores Me

Recovering from the initial surprise, I looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Yeah, I might have been intoxicated by the atmosphere back then and made that promise.

But no matter what, am I not a maid and he, a prince?

Its inappropriate.

However, Damian seemed unwilling to concede this.

Ahem, Im not His Highness or Crown Prince.

Damian said so with an aura that exuded determination.

I just.I just want to be called Damian.

But if there are other people watching.

If that sort of thing bothers you, then just say my name when its just the two of us.

Umm, if you put it like that then.

I cleared my throat.

Even though Ill just be saying his name, I couldnt help but feel a tingly feeling in my heart.

Taking a deep breath, I slowly said his name.

Damian.

At that moment, Damian smiled broadly.

He was beaming as if all the happiness in the world had entered him.

Thank you.

Wha

Feeling a bit embarrassed for some reason, I averted my gaze.

Just as I did so.

Damian suddenly got up and pulled out his hand.

Okay. Ill take you back to the Empresss palace.

What? I can get back by myself.

I want to walk you back.

Damian waved his hand in front of me, insisting I grab it.

I closed my eyes tightly for a second.

Really, theres no way Ill refuse that hand.

Eventually, I slowly placed my hand in his.

Those scarlet eyes gently widened.

***

After some time.

We finally reached the front of the Empresss palace.

Thank you for accompanying me.

I thanked him in the most nonchalant way possible but the truth is-

I cant help but feellonely.

If we split up again, will we ever see each other?

Damian had just returned to the imperial palace.

SoIm sure he has a lot of things to take care of.

Just by spending time with me, I knew that Damian cared a great deal but

.Im a bit down.

Thats when I slumped my shoulders.

Damian lowered his head, whispering into my ear.

Good night, Ill be back tomorrow.

At those unexpected words, I widened my eyes.

Huh? Youre coming back tomorrow?

But Ill be visiting the Empress dowager tomorrow and, I know for a fact youll be busy.

Despite thinking that in my head, I answered before I knew it.

Yes, Ill be waiting.

Damian turned around, parting with a final smile.

I stood there as if glued on the spot, unable to move as I watched Damian disappear into the night.

Then.

Ah.

That was the only word that left my slightly opened mouth.

Come to think of it, I forgot to ask Damian more about that one subject.

How long do you think youll remain a powerless maid of the Empresss palace.

What does that mean?

Later that evening.

I had a dream from long ago.

Carpel.

Countless stars shone as if they were about to fall from the sky.

And below those stars, was a woman who had a pale appearance.

I will keep my promise. So you do the same

She gazed at the man who seemed to slumber peacefully, her tears were endless.

.keep the promise you made to me.

As that whisper became fainter and fainter till it eventually became inaudible, I woke up.

What, why am I having that dream again?

I raised my hand, gently wiping the tears from my face.

Ever since Damian first used his purification power, I never had that dream since.

The contents of the dream remained the same.

A woman who says to keep the promise and a man who looks oddly like Damian.

I would have cast that dream to the side as I did at first but having the same dream a second time? Im starting to get concerned.

What on earth did the man promise?

I tilted my head in thought.

The womans sorrowful expression flashed in my mind.

And to add furthershe mentioned Carpel.

Carpel, the first emperor who established the Winsor empire

I pouted my lips, still concerned.

Thats it. No matter how much I mull my mind over this, I just get frustrated in the end.

Besides that.

I should focus on something elsea certain someone else.

Damian.

I pulled my quilt, bringing it close, and laughed quietly.

Damians back. Hes back after so long!

The realization started to finally kick in.

That fact alone made me feel blissful.