~Chapter 7~
Izaya slowly pushed herself upright and called for her maids.
“Did you summon us, Your Majesty?”
She was about to give them instructions according to her plan—but something about their expressions felt… strange.
“Is something the matter?”
“Ah… well, there’s been a report that the garden behind the Empress’s palace is filled with roses.”
The answer was so unexpected that Izaya asked again.
“Roses?”
“Yes. And… they appear to be the new variety that was planted not long ago.”
At that, Izaya’s face hardened.
Those are expensive. Who would do something like this…? Could it be someone harboring resentment toward the imperial family?
“The culprit hasn’t been caught yet, I assume?”
“No, Your Majesty. It seems to have happened at dawn…”
This only proves how lax the security around the Empress’s palace is. In other words… an environment where assassins could come and go freely.
She held a serious expression for a moment—then suddenly smiled.
The maids looked even more anxious.
“There’s no need to worry so much. Whoever committed such an act, I won’t allow them to harm my people.”
…We are… Her Majesty’s people?
To them, the Empress had always felt distant—except for Melanie.
Izaya was always with the Emperor or Melanie, and Melanie had warned them to watch their tongues and not speak unnecessarily.
And yet, hearing those words now… stirred something warm inside them.
“Then… shall we prepare you, Your Majesty?”
“Yes. Please do.”
“Well, the Head Maid has already prepared something—”
“If it’s already prepared, it must be something simple. Today, I’d like to dress more extravagantly.”
The maids exchanged troubled glances.
“Ah… the Head Maid is currently absent, so…”
“Then why not choose something yourselves?”
“B-But…”
“It’s fine. All the dresses in my wardrobe are beautiful. Don’t feel pressured.”
They blinked blankly before bowing their heads.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Soon, they returned with garments and accessories.
A dazzling crimson dress.
Izaya smiled softly.
“I like it. Next time, will you choose for me again? Erika, Zelda.”
The maids bowed deeply, clearly moved.
“Yes, of course, Your Majesty.”
As they began dressing her, Izaya spoke again, her red lips curving slightly.
“I’d like a change of mood. Prepare tea in the garden shortly.”
After speaking, she turned her gaze out the window—
Toward the palace gates.
* * *
“Welcome, Duke Lauchen.”
Melanie greeted him with unusual politeness.
But the Duke’s expression was far from pleasant.
“She isn’t here today?”
Izaya would normally come out to greet him personally.
Yet today, only Melanie stood before him.
“Where is she?”
Melanie hesitated, her expression troubled.
“She is… in the Moon Palace.”
Though he didn’t want to believe it—it was true.
A chill settled into the Duke’s blue eyes.
“Why?”
“I did try to ask, but… she told me not to meddle and even struck me across the face.”
“What? Then you should have invoked my name to stop her!”
“I did mention that she was defying your will, but… she warned me that if I continued to act insolently, she would replace the Head Maid.”
As she spoke, Melanie carefully observed his reaction.
He doesn’t fully believe me yet.
That made sense. To him, Izaya had always been a perfectly obedient daughter.
But what if that obedient daughter begins to rebel?
Melanie continued.
“And despite being informed of your arrival today, Her Majesty ignored it and focused solely on organizing her new residence.”
The Duke’s eyes widened in surprise before narrowing with suspicion.
“If there is even a shred of falsehood in your words, I will not let you off lightly.”
“I understand.”
Soon, the Moon Palace came into view.
“I will confirm it myself. You may leave.”
“Yes, Duke.”
Once Melanie withdrew, the Duke’s gaze sharpened.
Has she developed a rebellious streak now of all times?
Izaya had never once defied him.
But if what Melanie said is true… the reception room should be empty.
If it was, he intended to go straight to the Empress’s chambers—
And reprimand her harshly.
But things did not go as he expected.
“Welcome, Father.”
Izaya stood there, greeting him.
Dressed more splendidly than ever.
“Father, I’ve been waiting. How was your inspection?”
The Duke frowned slightly.
She knew I was coming, yet she was being negligent… wasn’t that what I heard? This is different.
But only for a moment.
“Father?”
Seeing her look at him curiously, he smiled.
“Yes. Thanks to your prayers, I returned safely.”
Izaya linked arms with him, smiling brightly.
“I’ve prepared refreshments in the garden. Let’s go.”
And indeed, a table was already set.
With cucumber sandwiches and madeleines—his favorites.
This is different.
He had been told she made no preparations.
Yet everything seemed carefully arranged.
Could it be… that woman…?
“Please, have some.”
Instead of drinking tea, the Duke spoke.
“To be honest, I’m surprised. You suddenly moved residences.”
As he looked at her—
He flinched.
Her garnet-red eyes held a faint but unmistakable dissatisfaction.
What is that look? That insolence…?
Melanie’s words echoed in his mind.
She struck me and threatened to replace me…
His eyes turned cold.
So. Separate rooms with the Emperor… replacing my maid… She must be dissatisfied with me.
He tested her.
“Why do you look like that? Are you uncomfortable?”
He expected mention of the separate quarters.
Instead—
“Ah… the tea tastes strange.”
Tea? What could she mean?
Curious, he took a sip.
Immediately, he frowned.
“…This is low-grade tea.”
So that’s what “unprepared” meant?
As he looked at her with irritation—
Izaya suddenly stood.
She strode toward a maid.
“You brought this tea, didn’t you?”
Her voice was cold—unlike anything he’d heard before.
The maid trembled.
“I-I only brought the finest tea available in storage! The one who manages it is the Head Maid!”
Bang!
Izaya slammed the table.
“Bring Melanie here. Immediately.”
The Duke watched, stunned—then slowly realized.
This is interesting.
Something is going on between her and that maid… I should watch.
* * *
Hans carefully called out to the Emperor, who was nodding off.
“Your Majesty…”
But Ern didn’t respond.
Well… it’s no wonder. It seems he didn’t sleep at all last night.
Just as Hans watched him with concern—
Ern suddenly opened his eyes.
He was breathing heavily.
“Your Majesty, what happened?”
“…It’s nothing. Just a dream.”
“What kind of dream—”
“It’s nothing.”
But inwardly, Ern thought:
Thank goodness… it was only a dream.
In the dream—
Duke Lauchen was strangling his own daughter.
And Izaya… did not resist.
Why would I dream something like that?
“Your Majesty…”
“What is it?”
“It’s not that, but… Duke Lauchen has entered the palace immediately upon arriving in the capital.”
Ern’s expression darkened.
“And why am I only hearing this now?”
“We tried waking you several times, but— Your Majesty, where are you going?”
“I will send Duke Lauchen away before he meets the Empress.”
But Hans hesitated.
“…Her Majesty has already granted him entry. They are likely meeting as we speak.”
Bang!
Ern slammed his hand on the table.
Cracks spread across its surface.
Hans swallowed nervously.
At this rate… His Majesty might do something drastic…
As Ern moved toward the door, Hans blocked him.
“You… you mustn’t go!”
“Move.”
“Have you forgotten what Her Majesty said? She told you to focus on your duties!”
Ern glared at him.
“Do you think I care about that?”
But—
Despite his words,
He sat back down.
