Chapter 14
Late at night.
Leto entered the bedroom. Without even loosening his tie, he flopped onto the bed.
Yutton followed and quickly scanned Leto’s expression.
“Shall I bring you a glass of wine?”
“Now?”
“You seem troubled.”
“…Just one, then.”
A moment later, Yutton returned with a glass of red wine. Leto lay with his eyes covered.
‘Is he asleep?’
“Yutton.”
“Yes?”
“Am I really that… bad?”
“…Pardon?”
Yutton thought for a moment.
‘Sometimes he really is… difficult.’
It wasn’t just his clearly defined likes and dislikes. When he fixated on something, he threw himself at it without thought, and Yutton always ended up bearing the brunt.
Today had been no different. After the meeting, he’d suddenly gone to the imperial residence, abandoning the ministers waiting for tea.
Yutton gave a small smile.
“You’re far from bad. You’re a wise ruler with excellent character.”
“That’s not what you really think.”
“You’d be hurt if I told you the truth.”
“I don’t get hurt.”
Leto propped himself up and reached out. Yutton quickly handed him the glass. Leto drained it in one gulp.
He frowned, holding the empty glass.
“No… I guess I do feel a little hurt.”
“…By me? Surely not.”
“I thought I was opening my heart. And she told me to see other women.”
Yutton was shocked.
“Your Majesty! Are you planning to have a lover? You’ve been on good terms with the Empress! Why suddenly behave this way—!”
But no matter what Yutton said, Leto was lost in thought, shaking his head as if he couldn’t comprehend it.
“She said she trusted me… so what is she expecting from me? At this point, maybe she’s doing it on purpose.”
“Your Majesty! This is serious! A scandal could be disastrous.”
“Shut up. Take this away.”
Leto extended the empty glass. Yutton, dazed, took it.
As Yutton trudged out of the bedroom, he thought:
‘This is bad. I thought things were finally improving between them…’
It was a puzzling situation. Leto had never shown interest in women before. Marrying the Empress had been purely political.
Yutton stared at the empty glass.
“Whoever she is, she’s remarkable.”
He tilted his head.
‘To get Emperor Leto to drink… impressive.’
Meanwhile, Leto stared at the ceiling, eyes wide. The alcohol sharpened his thoughts, making them intense and radical.
‘I’ve fallen for her. Definitely.’
Since when? He didn’t know. He only realized it had happened when he came to.
Why? He could pinpoint that. Her strong, beautiful gaze. Her bold personality. Her brilliant intellect.
‘Evidence? That’s clear as day.’
One: when he thought she had a lover. Two: when she told him to see other women.
‘Twice my spirits hit rock bottom… and yet I’ve fallen for her.’
The problem was that she was adamant about wanting a divorce. Almost as if they had become a couple solely for the divorce.
A good woman will come to you soon, Your Majesty.
Leto shot upright.
“How can anyone say that?”
He couldn’t accept it. They were, after all, technically husband and wife. And she was drawing a clear line?
He pondered it over and over. No matter how he denied it, the answer was one.
“Does she not even see me as a man?”
It was shocking. This sense of deprivation was new to him.
“Haa…”
Leto collapsed back onto the bed. Outside, the moon shone blue. He blinked and gazed at it.
Could he ignore this feeling? Perhaps this was his last chance to preserve his pride.
But…
‘If that were possible, I wouldn’t be sulking like this.’
He seemed to have no choice.
Leto absentmindedly touched his forehead—the exact spot where Livia’s fingertips had brushed.
The frown line.
Her whispered words, her face and voice, the soft, warm touch… everything was imprinted in his memory, clearer than necessary.
“…Damn it.”
His face flushed a beat later. He sighed again, covering his face with his hands.
Through his fingers, his eyes gleamed—an obstinate determination. He wouldn’t back down.
“Livia—! Your brother’s here!”
The office outside echoed. It was Sean, without even needing confirmation.
She closed the documents she’d been working on. No sooner had she set down her quill than the door burst open.
“My beloved sister! How have you been?”
Such fuss had become familiar, and she greeted him with a smile.
“You came? What about Louis?”
“He had work today. Just me.”
As expected, a line of attendants followed him, each carrying a large gift box.
“When I visited the black market, there were so many interesting things. It reminded me of you, so I did a bit of shopping.”
“The black market? What did you get?”
“Dresses made of animal hides, necklaces refined from monster bones, things like that. Don’t think too seriously—it’s just for fun.”
‘I’ll never wear these… more luggage to carry.’
Still, if it’s the black market… perhaps…
“I’ve heard all kinds of things come up there. Do they sell plants too?”
“Plants? No, only animals or monster meat.”
“I see.”
“You’re looking for something, I take it? If you need anything, I’ll fetch it.”
“It’s… difficult to get, actually.”
She explained the situation. Sean listened carefully.
“So you want to make medicine for the skin disease? The goddess told you which plants to use.”
“Yes. That’s right. While you’re here, I hope you can find a place with plenty of plants. Wizards know a lot of interesting things.”
Of course, Parham was also searching for reference materials, but they couldn’t just wait.
Sean seemed to remember something.
“How about here?”
“Where?”
“The ‘Wizard’s Forest.’ A legendary wizard created it hundreds of years ago. He believed the energy of plants enhanced magic, so he gathered all the empire’s plants into a single forest.”
All the plants in the empire? That was exactly what she was looking for.
“Where is it?”
“Near the capital. But you can’t go, Livia.”
Sean said firmly.
“Why not?”
“The ‘Wizard’s Forest’ is a symbol of the wizard’s spirit. It’s strictly preserved. Even wizards must get permission from the guild to enter.”
“Even if I go with you?”
“That might be possible. But you’d have to speak to the guild master personally. He’s not on great terms with me, but he might listen if Louis speaks.”
Why was Sean not on good terms with him? She didn’t ask. He always seemed to pick fights wherever he went.
“You’re royalty, so they can’t outright refuse. But there’s something you need to prepare.”
“What’s that?”
“The Emperor’s approval.”
“Why would I need the Emperor’s approval to enter a forest?”
“If something happens while royalty is inside, it could cause political problems. The guild wants insurance.”
So it was a matter of responsibility. The Emperor’s approval meant he took responsibility.
“Then I’ll get the Emperor’s approval.”
“If they refuse, tell me. I’ll negotiate for you.”
Sean tapped the table with his fists. Watching him, she decided not to tell him if she failed to get approval.
Lately, Sean seemed unusual. He was the guild’s vice-master, after all—he shouldn’t have so much free time.
“Brother, have you been going out much with the guild?”
“Hahaha, no.”
Figures.
“I told you, we’re not on good terms with the master.”
“…Why?”
“He picks fights over trivial things. During initiation, I had the rookies drink, and he treated me like a tyrant. Of course I got mad.”
He really was a tyrant—no wonder they fought.
Most wizards are individualists. They love freedom, hate hierarchy, and are distant even with fellow guild members.
“Even so… initiation? They’re not knights.”
“But he’s so cold. Leaving immediately after work—what kind of companion is that?”
“Truly… he’s unique. Loves camaraderie like few wizards do.”
Too bad. If he were a knight, it would have been easier.
She decided Sean would need a place for his enemies—mercenary groups or something. His magic couldn’t go to waste.
The next afternoon.
She summoned Parham to the office. He brightened at the mention of the Wizard’s Forest but soon voiced concern.
“Your Majesty, you don’t intend to go yourself, do you?”
“I do.”
“Even with your brother? The forest will surely attract monsters. The Emperor might not approve.”
“He will. This benefits the empire.”
“Really? I think he’d worry about your safety first.”
Before, she might have laughed it off. But after the imperial residence incident, she understood.
Leto cared deeply for his people. She felt part of that circle. He must care for her.
Parham smiled lightly.
“He isn’t easy to read, Your Majesty. His constant scowl doesn’t help.”
“He said he wants to fix that.”
“…Really?”
His eyes widened.
“Why is that surprising?”
“I’ve served the Emperor since he was crown prince, but I’ve never heard him say he’d change anything.”
A stubborn general, indeed. She hid a smile, sipping her tea.
Parham asked cautiously,
“Rumor has it you visited the Empress’ Garden together. True?”
“Yes. It was wonderful. Look, these roses came from there.”
The roses in the glass vase were still fresh. Parham smiled.
“It seems things are really improving between you two.”
“We only took a walk.”
“The Empress’ Garden isn’t a place the Emperor visits lightly. He treasures it greatly.”
“I see.”
‘So he values it that much. Then why bring me there?’
After a long discussion, Parham left as the sun set. She initially skipped dinner, but Madame Mare insisted she eat—apparently it was an imperial order.
Returning to the office to continue work, Madame Mare stopped her.
“Your Majesty, it’s time to go to the bedroom.”
“What? I’ve eaten, and I still have documents to review.”
Madame Mare smiled.
“Tonight is a night for the couple. Even if you start preparing now, it’s too late.”
