~CHAPTER 28~
Lady Karelina, the author behind many popular works including , lived in a district mainly populated by wealthy middle-class residents.
The Emperor’s assumption that no one would recognize him turned out to be correct.
People here were mostly merchants or professionals.
They might be wealthy, but they belonged to a class with almost no opportunity to meet the Emperor in person.
That did not mean they were not being noticed though.
Even if his outfit was unremarkable, a stunning blond man would always draw attention anywhere.
During the short walk from the rented carriage to Lady Karelina’s home, pedestrians kept staring at him nonstop.
Some passersby who seemed uninterested at first eventually looked back, blinking as if doubting their own eyes.
It happened when they passed by the fifth group of ladies whispering and glancing at the Emperor.
Unable to endure it anymore, Dianu finally spoke.
…People are staring, Your Majesty.
That is true.
If Lady Ortensa keeps calling me that, we may get caught.
Dianu looked up at him with a resentful expression, but he ignored her silent plea and spoke unfazed.
While we are outside, you should call me by name.
What?!
Why not?
There must be at least a hundred people named Rision in the capital alone.
Dianu stared at him, stunned by how casually he said such ridiculous words.
It was true that sharing names with members of the imperial family was not completely unheard of, since his name came from a hero in ancient myth.
Even so, asking her, who *knew* he was Emperor Rision, to call him by name was absurd.
Your Majesty, how could I possibly…
Then I shall also call you Lady Dianu for today.
Huh?
Do you dislike it?
He lowered his gaze as if saddened, and Dianu felt as if she was being scammed right in front of her eyes.
She glanced toward Sir Loisen who stood a short distance away, but he only looked away with a troubled expression.
Traitor!
Forcing a smile, she finally gave in.
Then… just for today… I will call you Lord Rision.
Even saying his name felt like committing an unforgivable crime.
Rision glanced at her trembling lips and spoke cheerfully.
You are the second living person to call me by name.
……
Why do you look like that?
…I was wondering who the first one was.
She should have ignored it, but curiosity defeated her.
Could it be that Lady Adelaissa calls him by name in private?
A ruler who cannot punish the daughter of a traitor because he loves her too much would make the perfect plot for one of Elpenlira’s favorite romance novels.
Lady Adelaissa, for you I would overlook rebellion, even treason.
Ah, Lord Rision, why must you be Emperor?
Rision glanced down at Dianu, who was frowning in displeasure at her own imagination.
Labelan Arasas calls me by name.
……
Your face is turning red, Lady Dianu.
It is not!
She did not understand why he was acting like this today, leaving behind nothing but unanswered questions.
* * *
Lady Karelina was not actually married.
She was a single woman in her fifties living with three cats.
So His Highness the Grand Prince of Erbinjel wishes to study Arasas language and wants to use the translated version of my novel as study material…?
Invited to Lady Karelina’s parlor, Dianu smiled brightly and nodded.
Lady Karelina looked at the letter stamped with the Erbinjel crest and then at Dianu, but she did not ask how her true identity was discovered.
It seemed she simply assumed someone of Dianu’s rank would have a way to find out.
Dianu placed the refined teaware down and spoke politely.
His Highness especially likes .
Erin Erbinjel was seven years old, and his favorite book was a plant encyclopedia.
But Lady Karelina did not belong to a social class that would know that fact.
How interesting.
It is one of my less popular works.
Of course, that was because the reader himself was a real princess.
That is why I wished to ask.
Do you have any unpublished sequels or side stories?
They would help His Highness greatly.
I do not have anything prepared, but… if given time, I could write something.
Lady Karelina stared at Dianu, who looked as happy as if reuniting with long-lost family.
Her Highness the Grand Duchess of Erbinjel will surely reward you generously.
In truth, the one who would reward her was the Emperor, but Lady Karelina would never know, so it did not matter.
Dianu left Lady Karelina’s house with a lighter step.
Lady Karelina followed her to the entrance and then spoke suddenly.
You are Lady Dianu Ortensa, correct?
Yes, is something wrong?
I think the heroine in my next work may be a governess.
Dianu assumed she was joking and laughed, but Lady Karelina closed the door while muttering phrases like “progressive and independent female charm” and “hidden passion beneath a modest appearance.”
What was that…?
She could not name it, but she felt a strange sense of foreboding.
Dianu frowned slightly as she crossed the front yard.
As promised, Sir Loisen and the Emperor, or rather Lord Rision, waited for her outside the fence.
Even his profile as he looked at the flowers with a bored expression was annoyingly handsome.
When he noticed Dianu walking toward them, he opened the gate for her himself.
Did everything go well?
Yes.
She will send the manuscript within ten days.
That is good news.
But the book will be in Catalos language, correct?
How will you handle the translation?
Dianu stared blankly at him.
I will of course do it myself.
…All by yourself?
Will that not take a long time?
If the author can write it within ten days, I can translate it within ten as well.
……
Why?
Were you planning to help me, Your Ma… Lord Rision?
It was clearly a joke.
Using the Emperor’s time to translate a romance novel meant for one reader was laughable.
But Rision actually looked conflicted.
I would like to, but…
Pardon?
It is better if I do not.
He closed his mouth, looking genuinely disappointed.
An awkward silence settled.
Unable to bear it, Dianu searched for an escape route.
C… could Sir Loisen not help?
He seemed quite familiar with Arasas language.
Sir Loisen, who had been dragged into the conversation, shook his head awkwardly.
My territory borders Arasas, so everyday conversation is no problem, but I am not skilled enough to translate literature.
Ah…
……
…Would you like some tea?
Both men nodded immediately, as if they were waiting for her to ask.
Dianu sighed and hailed a rented carriage, feeling like a governess escorting two young noblemen.
* * *
Lord Rision’s claim that he had personal business was not a lie.
It is peaceful.
The terrace area of the tea house frequented by gentlemen was filled with well-dressed young people.
Their relaxed conversations and cheerful atmosphere reflected comfortable lifestyles.
Dianu removed her hat and sat across from Rision.
What do you mean by peaceful?
You can learn much by observing a crowded place.
Whether the average life is satisfied, painful, anxious, or resentful…
……
The servants’ shoes were polished, and the maid cleaning the floor wore silver accessories.
Rision pointed toward the opposite side of the street.
A woman carrying a baby on her back was slowly sweeping the front of a shop.
She paused now and then to rock the baby and sing a lullaby with a gentle smile.
Does she not look comfortable?
…She does.
If a woman who must work while carrying a baby can live without constant worry, the Empire is peaceful enough.
Dianu realized this was not the first time Rision had left the palace to observe the lives of the citizens.
So this was the business you mentioned.
Some things cannot be understood through reports on bread and labor alone.
Rision quietly observed the world beyond the terrace.
He did not even notice the server offering the menu, so Dianu ordered for both of them.
She hesitated while choosing tea leaves.
I guess… I should pay?
Even if disguised, he was still the Emperor.
It was impossible to imagine him taking out money in public.
Sir Loisen might have handled the bill, but he had disappeared saying he would look around the area.
Her decision was quick.
She chose the most expensive tea leaves.
Not that His Majesty will even drink it…
She put the menu down before the price made her tear up.
