IBQD 18

Chapter 18

“I never thought we’d meet again in a place like this.”

Princess Fireone greeted with impeccable decorum.

“Your Majesty.”

Indeed, the silhouette hiding in the shadowy thicket of the garden belonged to none other than the Emperor.

“…And,”

Princess Fireone turned her gaze to the woman clinging closely beside him.

A middle-aged woman of classic beauty was interlocking fingers with the Emperor, practically embracing him. They had been nearly one body.

In fact, the moment Fireone and Haon stumbled upon them, their lips had just been touching.

“Marchioness Panna.”

At the precise mention of her name and title, the woman jolted and pulled herself away from the Emperor.

The Emperor, too, turned pale as he faced Princess Fireone.

“I… Ahem, so you knew who I was.”

Marchioness Panna steadied her voice, though it still trembled.

Princess Fireone offered her a calm smile and nodded.

“I recall being introduced to you during the welcoming ceremony when I first arrived in Heosen. How could I forget the head of House Panna?”

Her voice was clear and poised as she continued.

“You lost your husband early and have led your noble house admirably on your own. You’re also famed for your prowess as a knight and hold considerable military authority. You’re widely admired for it.”

“That’s too much praise.”

Despite the compliments, Marchioness Panna couldn’t bring herself to smile. In fact, she felt even more threatened by how much the princess seemed to know about her.

And rightfully so—she had been caught in a secret rendezvous with the Emperor.

Princess Fireone still wore a serene smile, but neither the Emperor nor Marchioness Panna could relax even a bit.

Her composure in this situation was extraordinary.

Even Haon was in a state of panic.

‘This wasn’t in the story!’

Haon knew quite a bit about House Panna. In the novel The Queen of Thorned Roses, they were one of the most prominent noble houses, possessing the largest private army and wielding tremendous military power.

Whenever the empire faced threats, especially in times of war, House Panna had always taken the lead in offering military support. Haon had thought their loyalty to the imperial family was purely political.

‘But it was all just pillow talk?!’

Not to paint the Emperor as some seductive villain, but… what exactly was so attractive about that dull-faced man that all the kingdom’s beauties were falling for him?

‘I mean, the Emperor’s consorts at the ball were all stunning. And now even a capable woman like Marchioness Panna turns out to be his secret lover?’

Was something wrong with her eyes? Was the Emperor secretly emitting irresistible charm that only she couldn’t perceive?

Or did this world simply have an entirely different standard for attractiveness?

It was all so confusing.

“To think someone like Marchioness Panna would be so close with His Majesty—I had no idea,” said Fireone, smiling sweetly.

Oh no, please, Princess…

Haon groaned inwardly.

‘Our princess really never holds back. That’s what makes her so charming—but I never imagined she’d take direct shots like this.’

Watching from the sidelines was nerve-wracking; Haon felt as if her heart and liver would leap out of her chest. But as just a lowly attendant, she could only stand silently and observe.

“Haha, the ballroom was so hot and noisy—I simply stepped out for a walk,” the Emperor said, trying to laugh it off.

“You’ve walked quite a distance.”

“Well, walking is good for one’s health, isn’t it?”

“That’s true.”

Princess Fireone smiled and played along nonchalantly.

Her smile, the Emperor’s nervous sweat, and the Marchioness frozen in place—awkwardness saturated the air between them.

“The Marchioness and I were merely having a serious discussion about the recent skirmishes near the border with the Morin Empire,” the Emperor explained hastily. “It was a sensitive topic, so we came here for privacy.”

“Ah, a secret conversation, of course.”

Fireone nodded.

“You were so close, your lips nearly touched. I understand.”

Haon wanted to slam her forehead into the nearest tree. Just standing there was torture. She honestly wished she could faint and escape the moment.

“We were whispering so no one could overhear…”

The Emperor struggled to salvage the situation.

Marchioness Panna, who had been standing quietly, finally let out a deep sigh.

“His Majesty simply didn’t want us to be the subject of gossip,” she said.

She finally spoke.

“He’s kind like that—always worried I’ll be hurt by rumors.”

Having accepted that the secret was out, Marchioness Panna gently caressed the Emperor’s cheek. He flinched, but quickly melted under her touch, smiling foolishly.

“His Majesty already has many concubines, and the Marchioness is a widow. There’s nothing inherently wrong with your relationship,” said Fireone coolly.

“I do understand, however, what part of this might be a concern. There are always those who love to talk.”

“I knew Your Highness would understand.”

Marchioness Panna offered a tentative smile.

“Forgive me for the interruption. I’ll leave you to your pleasant evening.”

With the same elegance she had shown when arriving, Princess Fireone curtsied and turned to leave. Haon, still dazed, scrambled to follow.

They had only taken a few steps when hurried footsteps came from behind.

“Wa—wait, Princess Fireone?”

It was the Emperor. He attempted a kind smile, but his facial muscles still twitched stiffly.

“Is there more you wish to say?”

“Well, it’s just…”

The Emperor gave a few awkward chuckles before forcing himself to speak, stealing a glance at her expression.

Where had the Emperor’s dignity gone? Haon couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for him.

“About what you just saw—”

“I saw nothing.”

Before he could even finish, Princess Fireone cut him off cleanly.

“Uh?”

The Emperor blinked, not understanding her words. Fireone met his eyes and declared clearly:

“I was simply passing by and greeted Your Majesty. I didn’t see who you were with or what you were doing—everything was hidden by the night.”

“You didn’t see anything.”

“No.”

Only then did the Emperor’s face brighten.

“Right? Of course!”

He puffed up proudly, then quickly corrected his posture, placing one hand behind his back and clearing his throat.

“Let tonight be swallowed by darkness and forgotten.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Fireone bowed obediently.

“But, Your Majesty.”

She raised her head and called him once more, her voice soft but firm.

“There are many eyes that see and ears that listen in the palace. Please be careful. Just as I happened to see you tonight, so could anyone else.”

“O-of course.”

The Emperor nodded nervously.

Fireone bowed again and left. Even as she walked away, the Emperor stood frozen, watching her receding figure anxiously.

Only after they exited the main palace did Haon finally voice the question that had been burning in her mind.

“You were going to pretend you saw nothing anyway, so why greet them in the first place?”

“It’s a gamble.”

“…What?”

Princess Fireone’s face was stern, deep in thought.

“I don’t know yet whether what I’ve grasped is a handle or a blade. But I had to grab it. I have nothing right now—better to hold something than to stand empty-handed.”

A gamble.

From her tone, Haon could vaguely guess her intentions.

Alone in a foreign land, the princess had to survive.

And Princess Fireone knew just how difficult survival in the imperial palace would be.

Any coincidence might become an opportunity—or a trap. But Fireone was the type to face the challenge head-on.

Trying to lighten the mood, Haon asked jokingly,

“Isn’t the Emperor powerful enough to meet anyone openly? Why was he sneaking around and then panicking when he got caught?”

“Haon.”

Fireone scolded her gently but firmly.

“Mind your tongue. We saw nothing today.”

“Ah—yes. I’m sorry.”

Haon drooped her shoulders in apology.