Chapter 6
“Your Majesty, the Empress has arrived.”
“Oh, let her enter.”
Even just hearing his voice, he sounded pleased.
A faint, happy smile appeared on Amanda’s face.
There was no reason to dislike someone who welcomed you warmly.
She dismissed the maids, and only Shan and Amanda entered the Sky Palace.
Despite being over fifty, Charles still had a strong presence—
thick golden hair and deep blue eyes, with a calm and controlled expression.
He personally stood up to greet Amanda.
After greeting him, Amanda’s eyes naturally moved to the seat beside him.
A woman with long dark blue hair lay there silently, her eyes closed.
Amanda bowed politely to her as well, then greeted Charles again.
A satisfied smile appeared on Charles’s face.
“Greetings to Your Majesty, the Former Emperor.”
“Enough with formalities. Sit.”
Amanda sat down as a servant pulled out the chair for her.
Charles stared at her closely.
‘Hmm? What is it? Is something on my face?’
Amanda smiled awkwardly and touched her face.
“No, no. It’s just… it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
“I apologize. This weak body of mine has failed to take care of itself…”
“Don’t say that. No one chooses to be sick.”
“I am grateful.”
Servants began bringing food.
Shan, watching from behind, blinked in confusion.
The soup was so thin it looked like water.
The bread smelled unpleasant.
And there were some random fruits placed casually.
This was nothing like the food Amanda usually ate in the Moonlight Palace.
‘You put my lady in this situation, and this is what you serve?’
Shan barely held back her anger.
Then Charles spoke,
“I’m sorry. If I eat good food beside her, she might want to eat it too.”
“I understand. Please don’t worry. I am unwell anyway, so I cannot eat heavy food.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
Clink, clink.
They ate in silence.
After a while, Charles suddenly laughed.
“Your Majesty…?”
“Ah, sorry. Continue eating.”
“Did something happen?”
“No, nothing. It’s just…”
“Just…?”
“This feels nice. Being like this.”
“…Yes?”
‘What does he mean?’
Amanda tilted her head slightly.
Their eyes met.
Feeling awkward, Amanda started poking at her lettuce with a fork.
Charles smiled gently.
“Amanda.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Do you… resent me?”
“…What?”
“I made you Empress against Baron Raymond’s wishes… and my only son is making your life difficult.”
“….”
“If you must blame someone, do not blame him… blame me. After all, I started this.”
Amanda lowered her head.
“No, Your Majesty. Because of you, I was able to stay by the side of the one I love.”
“Your kindness is beyond measure. I am the one who feels sorry for not meeting your expectations.”
“You have nothing to feel sorry for. This is all…”
Charles stopped speaking and simply smiled.
The meal continued in silence.
Afterward, they had light refreshments with almost no scent.
A peaceful quiet filled the room.
A small smile lingered on Charles’s lips.
Then suddenly—
“Your Majesty, the Imperial Consort requests an audience!”
“Send her away. I am dining with the Empress.”
“Th-that is…”
“Your Majesty, I am Deborah. I have something urgent to discuss. Please allow me.”
Charles looked at Amanda, silently asking for permission.
Amanda smiled softly and nodded.
“Let her enter.”
The door opened immediately, and Deborah walked in.
Unlike Amanda, who came with only Shan, Deborah brought all her maids.
Charles frowned slightly.
“Greetings to Your Majesty, the Former Emperor. May heaven bless you.”
“Yes. Sit.”
“Thank you.”
Deborah sat across from Amanda—
Without greeting the Empress.
‘Oh?’ Shan’s eyes sharpened.
Deborah wore a luxurious red dress and a crown-like gold accessory, making her look more like an Empress than Amanda.
Compared to her, Amanda’s dress looked plain.
Yet Amanda simply smiled.
“Long time no see, Imperial Consort.”
“Oh my, the Empress is here too? I didn’t notice.”
A clear lie.
Amanda smiled calmly and sipped her tea.
Charles frowned deeply.
“So, what is so important that you interrupted my time with the Empress?”
“Ah, that is…”
Deborah hesitated, then covered her mouth with a fan and glanced at Amanda.
‘Am I not supposed to be here?’
Amanda stood slightly.
“It seems you wish to speak privately. Then I will—”
“Oh, would you?”
Shan’s eyes grew cold.
Amanda lightly tapped Shan’s arm, signaling her to help her stand.
But then—
“No. Empress, stay seated.”
“…Yes?”
“Your Majesty, what I wish to say is… not suitable in front of the Empress.”
“Not suitable? What could that be?”
“….”
“The Empress is the mother of this empire and the closest person to its ruler.”
“What could be so important that you ask her to leave?”
“….”
“Think carefully before you speak. I dislike unnecessary noise.”
“….”
“It does not seem that important anyway.”
Charles waved his hand dismissively.
Deborah clenched her dress tightly.
If this were anyone else, she would have slapped them.
But this was the Former Emperor.
She forced a smile.
“What I wish to discuss… is about His Majesty the Emperor.”
“Oh?”
“Are you aware of his current policy?”
“Yes. Building schools. The nobles oppose it, but it is his matter now.”
“There is a problem.”
“The lack of funds.”
“Yes. There is not enough money for teachers or construction.”
“Go on.”
“We, the imperial family, wish to contribute funds. What do you think?”
Charles stared at her silently.
Then he smiled.
“That is not something you should be saying.”
“…What?”
“Sell that necklace, and you could build three classrooms.”
“Sell that dress, and you could build an entire school.”
“….”
“You cannot even sacrifice your own things, yet you ask others to contribute?”
“How ridiculous.”
“….”
“The Empress, despite being ill, knelt before the ministers to stop unnecessary spending.”
“And you—what have you done?”
“….”
“Before speaking of politics, perhaps you should care for your son.”
“I hear his asthma is getting worse.”
“….”
“Someone who cannot care for her own child… how can she care for the people?”
“…Yes. I understand.”
Crunch.
Everyone could hear Deborah grinding her teeth.
The maids silently prayed they wouldn’t become her next victim.
“If that is all, you may leave. I was enjoying my time with the Empress.”
Deborah bit her lip.
“I apologize.”
She stood up.
As she left, Charles spoke coldly—
“Next time you come, fix that ugly intention of yours first.”
“….”
“Even without trying, I can see right through you.”
“…I will remember that.”
Her body trembled as she left.
But no one pitied her.
Once she was gone, Charles’s tone softened completely.
“Ah… I showed you an unpleasant side.”
“No, Your Majesty.”
“You should be stricter as well.”
“You are the Empress of this empire.”
“….”
“Only the Empress may wear red. Yet she dared to do so.”
“If you dislike her behavior, you may punish her.”
“If the Emperor interferes, come to me. I will support you.”
Amanda lowered her head sadly.
“Your words alone are enough. I apologize for worrying you.”
Charles stared at her, then smiled.
“It is truly fortunate… that you are the Empress.”
At that moment—
His eyes flashed sharply.
