Chapter 147: The Empress’s Sword, the Crown Prince’s Shield
Ah.
I suddenly realized that in my frantic search for the steward, I had drawn far too much attention to myself.
My mind raced.
Would it be safe to show Cayenne to Perwin now?
If it got out that Marquis Balton had kidnapped Cayenne, what kind of scandal would erupt?
As the warning bells rang in my head, Perwin approached me.
“There you are. I was worried because you didn’t show up, no matter how long I waited.”
“Your Highness.”
His tone was gentle, yet it felt as unsettling as the calm before a storm.
His gaze soon fell on Cayenne.
“And who is that?”
The twilight had already darkened the surroundings, and Cayenne was cradled in Brecht’s arms, her face mostly hidden.
“Oh, this person—”
Just as Brecht was about to speak, I grabbed his collar.
“Don’t say anything.”
I sent him a pleading look.
“…I found an injured person and was just about to take them to the infirmary.”
“Injured?”
One of Perwin’s eyebrows rose.
I quickly stepped between them.
“Our household servant went missing suddenly, so we asked the knights to help search, and… they were found collapsed here.”
“What?”
“I was too flustered to fully understand what had happened…”
Rather than fumbling through an explanation, I chose to play ignorant. Perwin would eventually learn the truth, but for now, I needed time to think.
Perwin still looked puzzled but nodded.
“Alright, we’ll hear the details later. For now, let’s go inside—the air is getting chilly.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Perwin removed his coat and draped it over my shoulders.
As we headed toward the Crown Prince’s palace, his eyes kept following Cayenne.
…Will this be okay?
I glanced anxiously at Cayenne, still cradled in Brecht’s arms.
After sending the injured to the infirmary, Brecht naturally made his way to the Empress’s palace.
“Your Majesty, may I enter?”
“Come in.”
With the Empress’s permission, he cautiously stepped into the office.
“Your Majesty, I hope you are in good health.”
“Thanks to you, I am.”
“I’m glad to see you well.”
Brecht truly sighed with relief. The Empress’s condition had visibly improved in recent days. Not long ago, she lacked the strength to leave her bed, but now she had enough energy to attend to matters in her office.
After briefly checking on her well-being, Brecht recounted the events of the day.
“I see. You’ve worked hard.”
“…Your Majesty, you are not surprised?”
The incident in which Marquis Balton and Aiden kidnapped a servant from the Duke’s household would unsettle even Brecht. He expected the Empress to be equally shocked, but she listened calmly, her composure unshaken.
“Did you know about this beforehand as well?”
“The Countess Garcia gave me a slight hint.”
The Empress smiled. Though she had officially assigned Shylo as a court maid, Countess Garcia remained her most reliable informant.
[You want me to betray Your Majesty and side with that woman? I’d rather quit being a maid.]
Seeing the Countess’s distressed plea, the Empress shook her head.
[Do not be too saddened, my lady. Being close to Lady Shylo allows you to watch her actions carefully. In fact, it’s better this way.]
From then on, Countess Garcia shuttled between the Empress and the government as a spy. Every move of Shylo, and even what occurred at the Crystal House, quickly reached the Empress. Reports of Evelyn’s suspicious activities and Balton’s secret trip to the temple had already been conveyed.
“I see… I was a step late.”
Brecht furrowed his brow.
“The injured man was said to be Serteia’s servant. Did you confirm his face?”
“Yes, he had light blonde hair. The young lady said he had red eyes.”
Light blonde hair and red eyes.
Though I desperately wished otherwise, the pieces of the puzzle she had gathered were forming a complete picture.
“…I see.”
It was something I had anticipated to some extent. From the moment Marquis Balton began moving secretly—or perhaps when Roselia questioned me about past events—I had prepared myself. Perhaps the Emperor’s illegitimate child was still alive.
I did not know how Roselia was involved, but I needed to be ready for every possibility.
“The concern we feared has become reality.”
The Empress let out a deep sigh.
“Your Majesty, what is there to worry about?”
“….”
“Whatever you fear, I am ready to give my life for you at any moment.”
Brecht spoke resolutely. As the Crown Prince’s personal guard, he was first and foremost the Empress’s loyal sword.
She had personally appointed Brecht, of humble birth, as a royal guard. Even before Perwin designated him as the Crown Prince’s protector, the Empress quietly paved his way. Ultimately, it was her careful planning that placed him in the highest positions.
Brecht swore his loyalty to the Empress, a loyalty that would never waver.
“How far are you willing to go for me?”
“Of course, as far as Your Majesty desires.”
Brecht bowed deeply.
How far he could go was not for him to decide. He was the sword and shield, moving solely at his lord’s command. Just as a sword does not decide its own use, he would never question his master’s orders. He would dedicate his entire being to fulfilling her will.
Having failed to protect the Crown Prince during the hunting festival, he carried the burden of guilt and was ready to throw himself into any danger.
“That’s an answer I like.”
A satisfied smile curved the Empress’s lips.
“All I desire is for the Crown Prince to ascend to the throne. That is all.”
“….”
“Your existence is only for that purpose.”
The Empress had drawn Brecht to her side for this very reason: to have a knight guarding Perwin up close, ensuring her son’s safety. To make her son a flawless ruler under perfect protection and guidance.
“For him to reach the highest position, the Crown Prince must have no blemishes. I alone am enough to soil my hands.”
“….”
“Even if I am not here, can you become the Crown Prince’s sword and shield in my stead?”
A determined light shone in her eyes. If she could secure complete victory for her son, she was willing to give up everything.
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
Brecht bowed deeply.
Meanwhile, after hearing Shylo’s request, the Emperor exploded at his ministers.
“What? Do you think this is the time for a leisurely autumn outing? Are you sane or not?!”
Already in a state of inner turmoil, Shylo’s childish request seemed even more absurd.
“I apologize, Your Majesty. Should we refuse her audience?”
The minister stammered. He assumed the Emperor would reject Shylo’s request.
“….”
But the Emperor did not respond immediately.
“Your Highness?”
The minister looked up in confusion.
Though his displeasure was obvious, the Emperor finally relented.
“…Let her in for now.”
With the Emperor’s permission, Shylo dashed to the private chambers of the palace.
“Your Majesty, did you call for me?”
It had been a long time since she had met the Emperor privately. And now he summoned her to the inner chambers.
Dressed with particular care, Shylo arrived, but the Emperor barely glanced at her and spoke.
“Save the autumn outing for later. Let’s quietly have tea. I have something important to discuss.”
Soon, refreshments were brought to one side of the room.
The Emperor ignored the ministers and quietly sipped his tea.
Shylo studied his expression carefully. Although her suggestion to visit the annex had been denied, being granted a private audience was encouraging.
Confident that the Emperor’s anger had eased, Shylo leaned against his arm.
But the Emperor merely looked down at her, expression stern.
“Shylo.”
He began in an unusual, serious tone, pausing as he chose his words.
“Why, Your Majesty?”
“….”
“Your Majesty?”
“…Have you heard the rumors that our child might still be alive?”
“Huh?”
Shylo’s expression stiffened at the Emperor’s difficult words.
“You didn’t know? I assumed you had, since Marquis Balton spoke strangely about it.”
“What in the world…?”
Clink!
The teacup slipped from Shylo’s hand.
