CHAPTER 46…………………………………………………..
The Emperor looked down at his daughter, who was impeccably dressed without a single flaw despite the early hour.
“Your Majesty.”
From the graceful line of her bowed neck to the hand holding her dress, every movement exuded dignity and elegance.
Even aside from her status as an imperial princess, his daughter was praised as the most refined woman in high society.
“Come here.”
The Emperor examined Jeremiah’s upright figure as if appraising her, then clicked his tongue.
Others called her perfect, but to the Emperor, Jeremiah always seemed lacking—an unsatisfactory daughter.
He knew she was intelligent. Not quite the type to learn ten things when taught one, but she would at least grasp two.
But what was the point of being clever?
‘In the end, she’s only a princess.’
No matter how well he paved the way, the Emperor’s throne would eventually pass to another man. Just as he himself had risen to the throne as a son-in-law after marrying a princess.
Thinking of the future, she should have known how to bow her head when necessary. Yet Jeremiah could not bring herself to beg favors from others, nor did she like smiling meekly and obediently.
Even he, the Emperor, had bowed his head at the feet of countless people and waited for opportunities to seize this position. And yet…
“Tut.”
Looking at his daughter, who always held her head high with such rigid elegance, made his chest feel tight.
After staring down at Jeremiah with heavy eyes, the Emperor abruptly issued a command to his daughter, who had not faltered in the slightest even after a long silence.
“You should lose some weight.”
“Pardon?”
“The Hero is said to be dying. It won’t look good if you, his fiancée, appear perfectly fine.”
“Ah.”
Jeremiah already knew of the Hero’s disappearance; that alone was enough for her to understand his intentions.
“I understand.”
Though she must have guessed what was about to happen, her expression did not change at all. Instead, the Emperor’s face twisted.
“It’s about time we found you a new match. After things settle down a bit… perhaps in half a year.”
“…Yes. I will obey.”
“Watch your conduct, and of course, you are not to attend any parties.”
“Yes.”
“You may go.”
The Emperor shook his head as he watched Jeremiah quietly leave. No matter how he looked at her, she displeased him.
Still, he did not dwell on her for long. He had matters far more important than Jeremiah to concern himself with.
Zenya stared incredulously at the Demon King, who still seemed unable to process what he had just heard.
“…Didn’t you already know?”
“Not at all.”
It was absurd that he truly hadn’t known. Then what had that look earlier been about?
Feeling wronged for having exposed the secret on her own, Zenya demanded,
“Why not?”
At her tone, the Demon King narrowed his eyes.
“Because you never told me.”
Seeing his bizarre expression, she realized that Count Vine had indeed kept silent. Clutching her throbbing head, Zenya muttered,
“I spoke out of turn.”
The Demon King merely blinked, unable to respond. As the two stared blankly at each other in the awkward situation, Lerazier suddenly cut in.
“So, Zenya, you’re royalty?”
He grabbed her hands with both of his, eyes sparkling.
“I knew this charm wasn’t ordinary.”
Before Lerazier could do anything more, Lumiere pulled Zenya’s hands away. Fortunately, it didn’t feel as rude as before.
Zenya quickly spoke before Lerazier could comment on Lumiere’s action.
“No, that’s not quite right.”
“Hm?”
She wanted to make this absolutely clear. Zenya was not imperial royalty.
“I’m not part of the imperial family. I’m the Emperor’s niece, and he’s only an imperial consort.”
“Ah.”
Zenya disliked the Emperor and had no desire to be lumped together with him. That was why she had added the unnecessary clarification.
“If we’re being precise, I’m of royal blood. My mother was a queen…”
“What are you talking about?”
“My goodness! A princess!”
The Demon King’s question was drowned out by Lerazier’s cheer.
Throwing both hands into the air, Lerazier fussed that “Princess” sounded far grander than “Imperial Princess.” Lumiere busied himself pushing away Lerazier’s hands as they reached for Zenya.
Then the Demon King, who had been silent for some time, asked with eyes full of suspicion,
“This isn’t all a lie, is it?”
It was the most unjust accusation in the world. Zenya shot him a glare.
“Why would I lie about something like that?”
Without replying, the Demon King flicked his gaze toward Lumiere standing beside her. Understanding the implication, Zenya’s expression turned even stranger.
So I claimed to be a princess and the Emperor’s niece because of Lumiere?
“My kingdom may have fallen, but I am still royalty. It was called Abier—a kingdom that once prospered.”
Deflated, Zenya added weakly,
“You can look it up if you want. The records should show it easily enough.”
“Hm.”
Yet the Demon King continued to stare at her with undisguised distrust. Zenya pretended not to notice. She had nothing to be ashamed of regarding that.
“In any case, I suppose this isn’t particularly important. I thought you included me in your party to take advantage of this.”
Zenya nodded, her expression easing, but the Demon King interjected,
“No. It might prove useful.”
“What?”
Returning to his usual arrogant look, he ordered,
“Think of a way to make use of that. We have plenty of time.”
“What?”
The look on his face clearly said that something useful should, of course, be used. Zenya felt a curse rising to her lips.
Back in their room, Zenya turned to face Lumiere, who was staring at her intently.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“…I didn’t know,” he said carefully.
“You wouldn’t have. I never told you.”
Being a princess was something she had no desire to speak about.
“You don’t seem very similar.”
He had been studying her face closely, and that was what he came up with. Zenya tilted her head.
“Really? I’m often told I take after my mother.”
Aside from coloring, she resembled her mother, and her mother resembled the Emperor. In that sense, Zenya ultimately resembled the Emperor.
But Lumiere didn’t seem to agree.
“You’re nothing alike.”
“Is that so? Come to think of it, you must have seen the Emperor often?”
“……”
Her casual question was met with heavy silence. It didn’t feel like displeasure—more like surprise.
“What is it?”
She wondered what about her question could have startled him so much, but Lumiere shook his head.
“It’s nothing.”
Yet he avoided her gaze, and when she combined that with his earlier reaction, she came to a conclusion.
“Ah, you didn’t get along?”
Lumiere lowered his head even further. It seemed she had struck the mark. Zenya waved her hand dismissively.
“It’s fine. I don’t get along with him either. I really dislike him.”
At that, Lumiere’s head lifted slightly.
“Is that so?”
After touching the corner of his eye, he said quietly,
“…The Emperor is close to my mother.”
“Your mother?”
“The Saintess.”
“Ah.”
The Empire, considered the greatest nation on the continent, and the Saintess.
Given how the world had changed, it was entirely possible that those in high positions had united tightly together. Zenya nodded.
“I see. That could be.”
“And…”
She prompted him when he trailed off.
“And?”
He shook his head firmly.
“No. It’s nothing.”
“What is it?”
“It’s not important.”
His stubbornly sealed lips made it clear he didn’t want to talk about it, and Zenya decided not to press further. She, too, didn’t want to say more about the Emperor.
“Fine. I won’t ask.”
Instead, she recalled the Demon King’s absurd command.
“Anyway, what kind of method does he expect me to come up with?”
As she clutched her aching head with both hands, Lumiere gently took her hands away.
“Zenya, set your worries aside for now and sleep.”
She glanced at the time, but he softly turned her face back toward him.
“It’s a little early, but let’s rest today and think about it together with clear minds tomorrow.”
For once, he seemed right. Zenya obediently began preparing for bed as he guided her.
The bed was slightly smaller than the one she was used to, but for such a spacious room, it was still wide enough for the two of them.
Lying down, Zenya stole a glance at Lumiere, who seemed a little closer than usual. Before he could catch her looking, she quickly turned her eyes to the ceiling.
As she stared upward, Lumiere extinguished the lights. Because the window was large, bright moonlight poured into the room, leaving it brighter than expected—yet pleasantly so.
‘At least it’s not a red moon.’
Though the bed was somewhat small, it was soft, and the blanket wrapped warmly around her. She felt tired enough to fall asleep the moment she closed her eyes.
But as always, things did not go as planned.
Perhaps it was because she was in a new place. Or because thoughts of the Emperor had surfaced. Or maybe, only now, the reality of being in the human world was finally weighing on her.
She let out a small sigh and shifted in bed. Then a large hand touched her head.
She flinched, and from beside her came a quiet chuckle and Lumiere’s voice.
“Can’t sleep?”
At his close whisper, she nodded without opening her eyes.
For some reason, she felt that she shouldn’t open them.
As she squeezed them tighter, Lumiere gently brushed his fingers over her eyelids.
“Don’t worry. I’m here.”
As if he even knew what she was worried about.
In truth, she didn’t know herself, so she simply accepted his touch.
His hand brushed her eyelashes, tickling them lightly, before smoothing her hair in soft strokes—just as she had once done for him when he suffered from nightmares.
Gradually, her consciousness faded.
“…Good night, Zenya.”
With those words, she sank into a deep sleep.
