Chapter 68
No matter how many times Rubiana read it, there was nothing in the letter that asked about her well-being or expressed kindness.
There was no question about whether she had a hangover after drinking too much, no apology for leaving her to wake up alone in an unfamiliar place.
Reading and rereading the letter, which only briefly stated the matter the sender wanted to convey, Rubiana felt a chill sink into her heart.
And she became certain.
“It’s really over now.”
In fact, the relationship had ended half a month ago.
Rubiana knew it well. She just hadn’t fully realized it yet. That’s why she had felt so regretful and lonely—so longing.
“…enough to cling to it with the help of alcohol.”
It was pathetic.
But facing it directly like this made everything clear.
“Yes. Now we just… return to our original places.”
Rubiana drank the water she had kept beside her in one gulp and turned away.
Imperial Palace – Conference Room
The monthly noble council was in full swing.
A secretary hurriedly approached the prime minister and handed over some documents.
The prime minister quickly opened them and, after reading, a deep shadow crossed his face.
He immediately spoke to Emperor Christopher.
“Your Majesty, this is a report that just arrived from the Hughes region in the south.”
“Speak at once.”
Christopher furrowed his brows as he sensed the gravity of the situation from the prime minister’s trembling voice.
“It seems an epidemic has broken out throughout the Hughes region. Hundreds of citizens have already been infected, and dozens have died.”
“My…!”
A sigh escaped Christopher’s lips.
Murmurs began to ripple through the conference room.
An epidemic was one of the worst disasters imaginable.
It required months, or even years, of comprehensive management, demanding enormous resources and manpower.
The prime minister spoke again.
“We must quickly organize medical personnel and send them to the south. Medicines, food, and supplies are also needed.”
“Yes, of course.”
Christopher nodded, organizing his thoughts.
At that moment, Duke Miren spoke.
“Your Majesty, since swift action is crucial, may I suggest appointing a person responsible for managing this national disaster immediately and giving them full authority?”
“Do you have someone in mind?”
“I recommend Crown Prince Phyllis.”
“The Crown Prince?”
Christopher’s eyebrows twisted.
The other nobles’ expressions were similar.
Crown Prince Phyllis, who was observing the meeting, was also taken aback. Suddenly, his name had been mentioned.
Christopher tilted his head, staring directly at Duke Miren.
It was an unexpected recommendation.
Phyllis had almost no practical experience.
Yet, it was impossible not to assign someone to handle such a critical disaster.
Christopher spoke in a firm voice.
“The Crown Prince is young and inexperienced. I doubt whether he can properly manage such a grave disaster. Why, then, do you recommend him, Duke?”
Duke Miren answered calmly to Christopher’s blunt question.
“It is true that the Crown Prince is still young and inexperienced. But if you assign him no tasks, he will continue to remain young and inexperienced. That is a loss not only to the state but also to the royal family. Now that the Crown Prince has come of age, I believe it is time for him to take on practical responsibilities step by step.”
Christopher stroked his chin thoughtfully.
The duke had a point. Perhaps he had underestimated Phyllis’ abilities and had not given him enough opportunities until now.
“Why not give the Crown Prince a significant responsibility this time, allowing him to demonstrate his abilities, Your Majesty?”
At Duke Miren’s request, the prime minister spoke on behalf of the Emperor.
“I agree that the Crown Prince should gradually gain practical experience, as Duke Miren says. But in this case, the risk is too great. Sending the Crown Prince directly into the epidemic zone is far too dangerous.”
Many nobles nodded in agreement with the prime minister.
If the Crown Prince were infected, the national disaster could quickly become a catastrophe.
Duke Miren spoke again.
“I will do my utmost to assist the Crown Prince personally.”
Everyone’s eyes widened.
He would go to such a dangerous place willingly? Duke Miren was not known for taking such personal risks.
Christopher pondered, his narrowed eyes moving between Phyllis and Duke Miren.
Then he addressed Phyllis in a gentle tone.
“I would like to hear your thoughts, Phyllis.”
All eyes turned to Phyllis.
Enduring the intense gaze, Phyllis slowly spoke.
“If Your Majesty commands, I am ready to do whatever is necessary.”
His pupils trembled slightly, but his voice was calm.
After a brief silence, Christopher finally made his decision.
“Very well. The Crown Prince will go to the south.”
“I will obey, Your Majesty.”
Phyllis bowed.
“Duke Miren, assist the Crown Prince well.”
“I will, Your Majesty.”
“If the Crown Prince goes to the south to manage the situation directly, the people suffering there will feel some relief. Prime Minister, mobilize all resources and manpower to support the Crown Prince and Duke Miren.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. We will prepare everything to ensure the Crown Prince is fully supported in the south.”
Thus, the meeting ended.
At the Palace – Empress Miranda
Empress Miranda smiled with satisfaction upon hearing that Phyllis would be going south.
But Phyllis was different.
The composed demeanor he had shown in the meeting was gone, replaced by the anxious expression of a young man.
“Your Majesty, I was so worried I could hardly sleep.”
“There is nothing to worry about. Half of the Imperial Palace staff will go with you to assist. You will not catch the epidemic.”
Miranda pushed a freshly baked apple pie toward Phyllis with a warm smile.
But Phyllis could not smile.
He did not reach for the pie he usually loved and spoke in a whining voice.
“Even with excellent doctors accompanying me, that doesn’t mean the epidemic can be prevented.”
Miranda, feeling both pity and irritation at her weak son, forced a smile, suppressing a sigh.
She repeated to herself how admirable it was that he had remained composed during the meeting despite worrying so much. It was necessary to calm him so he could safely go south.
“If you eat the apple pie I baked myself, you will not catch the epidemic.”
“What? How could apple pie possibly prevent an epidemic…?”
“Everything is connected.”
She felt she needed to reveal a small truth to ease Phyllis’ worry.
“Do you think I would send you into danger without any precautions?”
“Your Majesty…”
“You have been eating apple pie containing an antidote consistently for a week. You will not catch the epidemic. Nothing will happen to you. Trust me.”
“Ah…”
“And you must not tell anyone about this.”
Phyllis’ eyes trembled weakly as he looked at Miranda.
He seemed to have many questions but did not know where to start—or if he could even ask.
Ultimately, he chose to remain silent.
Some things in the world were better left unknown.
This was one of those things, he instinctively knew.
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Now, eat up.”
“Yes, I will.”
Phyllis diligently chewed the apple pie containing the antidote.
Seeing her son’s worry ease, Miranda finally let out a sigh of relief.
