~Chapter 5~
Sharing separate rooms with Ern isn’t difficult. I just need to create a situation where Duke Lauchen has no choice but to accept it. The real problem is…
Just then, a low voice broke through her thoughts.
“Empress.”
Izaya turned her head instinctively.
Ern?
Why was he here? This was the time he should be attending to state affairs.
Her confusion lasted only a moment before she recalled what he had said earlier.
Right… he must have come because I handled something without his decision.
She greeted him with a smile.
“Welcome, Your Majesty. The inner chambers aren’t fully prepared yet, so shall we move to the sitting room—”
“Everyone, leave.”
Cutting her off, Ern gave a cold command.
The attendants, who feared the Emperor far more than the Empress, quickly vacated the room.
Once they were alone, Ern stared at her and spoke.
“I don’t recall giving you an answer yet. So why did you move your residence?”
Faced with his blunt question, Izaya tilted her head innocently.
“Didn’t you say you’d grant my request unconditionally? That’s why I moved… Don’t tell me you didn’t mean it?”
Ern said nothing, simply watching her with an unreadable expression.
“…Do you truly wish to stay in separate rooms from me?”
There was something desperate in his gaze.
Meeting those eyes, Izaya flinched without realizing it.
But only for a moment.
“Don’t come near me again.”
Recalling his cold warning from the past, Izaya slowly nodded.
“Yes.”
At her quiet affirmation, Ern fell silent for a long time.
Then, in a low voice, he spoke.
“…Fine. If that’s what you want, then we’ll use separate rooms from now on.”
As she watched his small figure walk away, growing more distant, a bitter smile formed on Izaya’s lips.
I almost said no.
If she let her guard down, the desire to stay with him forever would resurface.
But this time… I won’t hold on to you.
In her previous life, whenever their eyes met, Ern would stiffen—
As if he had seen something he shouldn’t.
He must have already known what kind of man my father was.
From now on, she had to restore everything her father had ruined—
Before Ern became an adult.
This marriage wasn’t something he wanted either… it was my father’s doing.
Once everything was set back in place, Izaya planned to leave him.
Because that’s the only thing I can do for you.
*
After Ern left, Hans waited anxiously.
Judging by how suddenly he left… he must have overheard my conversation with the attendant…
Bang!
The door slammed open.
He’s back.
Hans carefully approached, intending to ask about the separate rooms—
But froze.
Good heavens…
The Emperor’s gaze was terrifying—just like before he met the Empress.
I must not provoke him. Handle him carefully… like glass.
As Hans gathered his courage to speak, footsteps echoed from outside.
Ern’s eyes instinctively turned toward the door—
As if expecting someone to follow him.
But the person who entered was not the one he hoped for.
“Your Majesty! Urgent news—ah!”
The captain of the guard, Grehen, recoiled in shock.
Ern had drawn his sword without a word.
“What is it? This urgent matter.”
His tone was chilling—like a warning that anything trivial would not be forgiven.
Grehen swallowed hard.
I could handle him a few years ago… but now… it’s impossible.
Silver hair, delicate features, a slender frame—
He looked more like a frail noble boy than a swordsman.
But at twelve, after only two years of training, he had already surpassed Grehen.
And by thirteen, he could use sword aura—the mark of one who had reached the pinnacle.
This… is the blood of a hero.
The founding Emperor had been a legendary figure who conquered the continent and drove back evil with divine beasts.
Before his death, he had said:
“Though I sleep now… I shall one day return.”
As if proving that legend true, some direct descendants inherited that power.
They were stronger than ordinary humans—
Almost transcendent.
Like the Emperor standing before him now.
Grehen spoke carefully.
“…It seems Duke Lauchen will arrive in the capital soon.”
At those words, Ern frowned.
His sharp gaze made Grehen tense even further.
After a moment of silence, Ern spoke.
“When Duke Lauchen arrives, report it to me immediately.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. But regarding the matter we were to discuss—”
“That plan is canceled.”
“…Pardon?”
Grehen started to protest, but stopped at Ern’s hardened expression.
Right… I value my life.
“…Understood. I will take my leave.”
“Wait.”
Ern frowned and glanced between Hans and Grehen.
What now…?
Trembling slightly, Hans spoke.
“Your Majesty, is there something you wish to say?”
Ern opened his mouth—
Then clenched his teeth.
“…Nothing.”
As the Emperor left, both men let out relieved sighs.
Thank goodness nothing happened.
But only briefly.
Grehen turned to Hans.
“What just happened? Why cancel the plan?”
Hans sighed.
“I’d like to know that myself.”
*
After the Empress’s palace had been rearranged, Izaya entered her new room.
It felt unfamiliar.
Empty.
Lonely.
Once you get used to comfort… it’s hard to let go.
In her previous life, Ern had ignored and despised her—
But they had never used separate rooms.
That was probably why she couldn’t let go of him.
It’s fine. I’ll leave as soon as he becomes an adult. I just need to endure until then.
Repeating this to herself, she looked at the calendar.
There’s no time. I need to prepare for Duke Lauchen’s return.
Because the real reason he went on that inspection was…
Knock knock.
“Your Majesty, it’s Melanie.”
“Come in.”
Melanie entered and handed her a ledger.
“Your Majesty, here is the account book you requested.”
“Good.”
As Izaya reviewed it, she glanced at Melanie.
She looks relaxed.
Melanie spoke confidently.
“If anything is unsatisfactory, please let me know. I will correct it immediately.”
In truth, if the Empress found fault, Melanie planned to report it.
But—
“You worked hard today with the move.”
Melanie blinked, caught off guard.
What’s this all of a sudden?
Then Izaya added—
“I’ll be giving bonuses to all the attendants soon.”
Melanie bowed.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s generosity.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Oh, and… it seems the Duke will be returning to the capital soon. Likely within this week.”
At that, Izaya smiled brightly, her cheeks flushing.
“Really? Then I must prepare to welcome Father. When will he arrive? Perhaps in four days?”
Watching her, a strange glint appeared in Melanie’s eyes.
“He usually arrives without notice. Would it not be better to grant entry permission in advance?”
“Yes, that would be wise.”
Access to royal private quarters required explicit permission.
Izaya signed a document and handed it to Melanie.
“This allows entry to my palace.”
Melanie accepted it and bowed before leaving.
After walking for some time—
She reached an empty corridor.
A mocking smile spread across her face.
As expected… she didn’t notice.
Though surprised by the sudden request for the ledger, Melanie had calmly presented a falsified one.
She had worried the Empress might detect something—
But clearly, it was unnecessary.
Unless she checks every item herself, there’s no way she’d know.
Earlier, she had been concerned the Empress might act recklessly—
But it seemed Izaya still feared her father.
Then why is she so sharp toward me?
She didn’t know the reason—
But it wasn’t a good sign.
If this continues… I might lose control over her.
And if that happened—
I could be discarded.
Melanie closed her eyes, then opened them.
They burned with malice.
It’s fine.
Soon, the Empress won’t be able to defy me at all.
From her sleeve, she pulled out a letter—
A twisted smile forming on her lips.
