Chapter 36

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 15-2

Chapter Title: Rumors Reach the Emperor

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Outside the imperial capital, in the nearby forest.

At the forest entrance, about a hundred men had gathered.

They were members of the Blue Hawk Unit, the Crown Prince's personal guard. They had assembled here to participate in the hunting competition hosted by the Crown Prince himself.

On the plains beyond the forest, tents for their stay were already pitched in neat rows. The members had lined up their horses at the forest edge.

They all stood rigidly at attention, though their faces were flushed with excitement.

Soon, the Crown Prince appeared at the front of the formation, mounted on Nacha.

Kamin scanned the men's faces and smirked.

"You all look fired up. I guess word of the prize money has already spread, huh?"

His teasing remark drew laughter from the group.

One of the men shouted out a specific sum, asking if it was really that much.

Kamin nodded casually and gestured with his hand.

Attendants standing behind him brought over boxes and set them down before the men.

The members craned their necks, staring intently at the boxes.

The lids were soon opened, revealing them filled to the brim with gold coins.

Everyone let out gasps of admiration.

"This is the winner's share. There's only one winner, but we've got generous prizes for the top ranks too. So go ahead and show off your skills. Got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

The men's booming voices echoed far across the forest and plains.

Kamin glanced at the sky once, then raised his arm.

"Anyone not back here by sunset is out. Begin."

With that, he dropped his arm, signaling the start of the hunt.

The Blue Hawk members immediately mounted up and charged into the forest.

A thick cloud of dust rose as the horses surged forward all at once, blanketing the area.

The hoofbeats gradually faded into the distance, and the wind carried the yellowish dust far away.

The attendants, coughing and making a fuss amid the haze, began tidying up once visibility cleared.

Glenn, the hunt's sole absentee, approached the Crown Prince.

"Your Highness, aren't you joining the hunt?"

"If I did, the game would run dry."

Glenn chuckled heartily and nodded at Kamin's boastful retort.

"So what will you do with your spare time?"

"Wander the area a bit. Gotta let this guy work off some stress."

Kamin stroked Nacha's mane.

Nacha scraped at the ground with his front hoof, fidgeting restlessly.

"All right, I'll let you run all you want today."

Kamin wheeled Nacha around to face the open plains.

"I'll be back before sunset."

"Wait, Your Highness, take me..."

"If you can keep up."

Kamin gave Nacha's flank a light kick.

At the signal, Nacha kicked off and bolted across the vast plains.

Glenn scrambled to find his own horse to give chase.

But by the time he mounted, the Crown Prince had already shrunk to a distant speck.

Glenn scratched his head with a defeated look.

Nacha ran without pause.

Before long, the forest was far behind them.

Kamin checked Nacha's body heat and breathing, then pulled back on the reins.

Nacha gradually slowed to a stop.

Kamin dismounted and unbuckled the saddle.

"Feeling good?"

Nacha blew hot breath and leaned his cheek against Kamin's head.

Kamin laughed and stroked Nacha's muzzle.

A moment later, he pulled a pomegranate from his bosom.

Nacha whinnied happily, wiggling his hindquarters.

Kamin fed it to him as he spoke.

"If you want to run more, go ahead. I'll wait here."

"Hiiing."

Nacha devoured the pomegranate and then vanished into the fields alone.

Kamin lay back flat on the ground.

Escaping the high-walled palace for this open expanse felt refreshing after so long.

He gazed quietly at the blue sky, then rummaged in his bosom.

He pulled something out and held it up high.

A blue ribbon adorned with red floral patterns fluttered before his eyes.

It had been over a month since he'd bought it, and it hadn't left his person since.

Kamin frowned at the blue bracelet.

He'd bought it on impulse at first, without much thought.

He'd even felt good, thinking of giving it to Leona.

But he'd missed the chance to hand it over right away. The longer he carried it, the heavier its meaning grew in his mind.

Reflecting on his impulsive purchase brought longer bouts of hesitation.

It was his first time buying a gift for anyone.

Especially for a woman.

The moment he started seeing Leona as a woman, the bracelet ceased to be just an object.

Once he viewed her that way, the gift's significance weighed even more heavily, making it harder to give her the bracelet.

"Leona."

Murmuring her name triggered a heavy thud in his chest.

Kamin rubbed his chest with the hand holding the bracelet.

Just recalling how she'd boldly met his gaze that day set his heart racing wildly.

It was a strange symptom that had started then.

This reflexive response was beyond his control.

Kamin ran his other hand over his face.

"This is driving me crazy... What am I supposed to do..."

He stared up at the sky with gloomy eyes.

Early afternoon, just past noon.

In the audience chamber of Anu Palace, where the Emperor resided, Biota and Rose sat facing each other.

Rose, invited into the palace by Biota, had been visibly tense at first.

But Biota treated her warmly and casually throughout, and Rose eventually relaxed, revealing her girlish vivacity.

The two chatted animatedly about their hobbies and interests.

When Rose paused to sip her tea, Biota gave a subtle nod to her close attendant maid.

The maid slipped silently from the room.

Confirming this, Biota broached a new topic.

"By the way, Miss Rose. Have you grown close to His Highness the Crown Prince?"

"Pardon? Well..."

Rose hesitated, lowering her head.

Biota smiled mischievously and urged her on.

"Since you're in the palace today, why not stop by the Crown Prince Palace on your way out? His Highness would be delighted."

Rose startled and waved her hands frantically.

"No, that would be rude without an appointment..."

At that moment, one of Biota's maids approached to inform her.

"My lady, His Highness the Crown Prince has left the palace today."

"Ah, right. He took the Blue Hawk Unit out hunting, didn't he?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Rose looked relieved, while Biota turned to her with a regretful expression.

"What bad timing."

"Yes..."

Biota watched Rose's awkward smile for a moment, then pulled out a handkerchief to dab at her eyes.

Soon, her shoulders began to tremble with sniffles.

Rose jumped up from the sofa in alarm.

"W-What's wrong, my lady?"

"It's nothing."

Biota forced a smile and lowered the handkerchief, but tears soon plopped from her eyes.

She quickly dabbed them away, but fresh tears kept welling up, streaming down her cheeks.

As the flustered Rose and maids tried to comfort her, the Emperor suddenly entered the audience chamber.

"Biota! What's the matter?!"

Rose and everyone else in the room prostrated themselves before the Emperor.

Biota tried to bow as well, but the Emperor reached her first and supported her.

"Are you unwell? Why are you crying?"

The Emperor pulled her into his arms, his voice thick with concern.

Biota gazed up at him with reddened eyes.

"Your Majesty..."

"Yes. Tell me. What has you in tears like this?"

Biota opened her mouth, then shook her head.

The anxious Emperor scolded those around them.

"What are you all doing?! Is this because you failed to serve your lady properly?!"

The maids kowtowed, begging forgiveness, while Rose trembled in fear.

"Your Majesty, it's not their fault. It's just... just..."

Clear tears fell from Biota's eyes.

The Emperor pulled her close with a heartbroken expression.

"What happened? Hmm? Did someone bully you?"

With a pained look, he soothed her.

Biota led him to the head seat and murmured softly.

"I'm fine. My emotions just welled up while talking with Miss Rose."

"Rose?"

Rose Dorian rose and formally greeted the Emperor.

The Emperor acknowledged her indifferently, then seated Biota beside him.

"Surely you aren't crying because of this girl?"

Biota hesitated to answer, and the Emperor's eyes flashed with anger.

Just as he was about to unleash his fury on Rose, Biota leaned against him with a sob.

The Emperor hurriedly embraced her.

"What's wrong? Hmm?"

"Your Majesty..."

"Yes, I'm here."

"...Miss Rose is just so pitiful."

"What?"

The Emperor looked at Rose in confusion.

Rose blinked in bewilderment at the sudden remark.

"What do you mean?"

"Your Majesty, haven't you heard the rumors floating around the palace?"

"Rumors?"

"That one of the maids from the Crown Prince Palace is deeply involved with His Highness..."

"What? Is that true?"

"It's just rumor, so there must be exaggerations and distortions. But it's clear His Highness favors her greatly. They say he even took her to the battlefield. While talking with Miss Rose, it suddenly came to mind..."

Biota trailed off with a sniffle.

The Emperor looked incredulous, while Rose stared blankly.

Biota mentioned the blue headband, subtly impressing upon the Emperor just how close the Crown Prince and that maid were.

Finally, she burst into tears again over how pitiful Rose was.

The Emperor had listened with a displeased expression, mindful of Rose's presence.

It wasn't uncommon or blameworthy for a palace maid to catch the eye of the Emperor or Crown Prince.

But this was the position he'd chosen for his Crown Princess candidate.

The Emperor felt he needed to uphold Rose's dignity.

"This can't be overlooked. Who is this maid?"

"...I heard her name is 'Leona'."

"Someone fetch this maid Leona at once!"

The Emperor issued the command in a stern voice.

Biota dabbed her tears with her handkerchief, hiding a triumphant smile.

At the Emperor's order, Ember, standing nearby, stepped forward.

Ember dispatched one of her own subordinates to fetch Leona.

She urged haste publicly, then whispered instructions privately into the subordinate's ear.

Leona had prepared a simple tray of refreshments and headed to Jahankun's room.

Currently, on the Crown Prince's orders, Leona was on leave from duties.

Banned from work until her hand fully healed, she had holed up in her room, focusing on her preliminary maneuvers.

Today, by chance, she heard that the Crown Prince's guest had stayed in the palace due to a cold.

Before leaving, the Prince had sent medicine prescribed by the imperial physician and ordered no one to disturb his rest.

Worried upon hearing this, Leona had come to visit in secret.

Knock. Knock.

Knock. Knock.

"Lord Jahankun, it's Leona."

She knocked several times, but there was no response.

She tried the handle, but the door was locked.

"Must be sleeping deeply."

Figuring the medicine might have done that, Leona turned and left.

As she walked the corridor with the tray, Miranda came running up ahead, skirts hiked.

"Leona!"

Seeing Miranda's grim face, Leona glanced at her tray.

"Miranda, it's fine, really..."

"Big trouble! Huge trouble!"

"Huh?"

"His Majesty is summoning you!"

Leona furrowed her brow.

"What do we do? Leona, what now? What's going on?"

Miranda fretted, her face a mix of worry and fear.

"Who came to fetch me?"

"Someone from the Servant Oversight Department, waiting at the palace gate."

"Can you handle this tray?"

"Y-Yeah."

Leona handed it over and headed for the stairs.

When Miranda tried to follow, Leona reassured her it was nothing to worry about.

"But..."

"I'll be back."

Leona said firmly and hurried to the gate.

The Servant Oversight Department maid at the gate signaled for her to follow and turned.

Leona trailed silently behind.

They walked briskly toward Anu Palace in silence.

Passing the central inner palace road, the maid glanced around, then slowed slightly.

Closing the gap with Leona, she whispered.

"His Majesty heard the rumors about you and His Highness. He's summoning you for questioning."

"Rumors?"

"About how unusually close you and His Highness are."

"......"

Leona paused in thought, then asked.

"Is the lady of Moran Palace there too?"

"Yes."

Leona let out a wry chuckle.

She could guess the source of that absurd rumor.

"Miss Rose Dorian is with her."

Leona, who had been walking steadily, stopped dead.

The maid turned back.

Seeing Leona's pale face, she asked worriedly.

"You okay?"

"Yes... fine. Lead on."

The maid proceeded ahead.

Leona took a deep breath and followed.

Each step felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

She dreaded facing Rose Dorian more than the Emperor or Biota.

She still lacked the confidence to meet her with a straight face.

But there was no escaping now.

Leona steeled herself.

'Get it together. Show any weakness in front of Biota, and it could endanger not just me, but His Highness too.'

She coached herself to focus solely on the problem at hand.

"Your Majesty, Maid Leona has arrived."

Ember reported to the Emperor.

"Hm? Who's that?"

Absorbed in Biota, the Emperor had forgotten his own order.

Biota pulled away from his embrace and shot him a glance.

Regaining his wits, the Emperor had Leona brought in.

The door opened, and a young maid entered the audience chamber.

All eyes turned to her.

The maid stood trembling near the door.

With her head bowed low, her face was hidden, but her shabby, lowly attire made the Emperor frown immediately.

"T-This lowly one, Leona, greets Your Majesty."

The maid prostrated herself before the Emperor.

Seeing her back convulse, he clicked his tongue.

"Come closer."

The Emperor was curious about her looks.

"Y-Yes, Your Majesty!"

The maid scrambled forward clumsily.

In her tension, she stumbled, stepping on her skirt hem and sprawling face-first onto the floor.

A loud splat echoed as she hit the marble.

Everyone's mouths gaped open, and silence fell briefly.

The maid twitched, crawling the rest of the way to the Emperor's feet.

"Raise your head."

At his command, she slowly straightened up.

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, appraising her appearance.

Her face was plain at best, unremarkable at worst.

Her downcast eyes darted side to side in fear, making for an unsightly sight.

The Emperor doubted the rumors upon seeing her.

He soon turned to Rose Dorian.

Comparing the two felt unfair; Rose was far superior in looks.

No matter how poor the Crown Prince's taste, he wouldn't fancy this maid, the Emperor thought.

Reading his expression, Biota preempted and pointed out.

"Your Majesty, look at that headband. They say His Highness gave it to her."

"Hm..."

The Emperor eyed the blue headband on the maid's head.

But it looked like a cheap, ordinary trinket.

Seeing His Highness give a commoner-level item to a maid only confirmed it.

The rumors were nonsense.

Though annoyed at wasting time, for Biota and Rose's sake, he questioned her.

"There were rumors that the Crown Prince favors you. Is it true?"

"Pardon? Ah, yes. It is so."

The Emperor doubted his ears.

"What? It's true?"

The maid, Leona, stammered her reply.

"Yes. His Highness is wise and compassionate, cherishing not just this lowly one, but everyone in the palace."

"...And foolish to boot."

At the Emperor's mutter, Leona quickly prostrated and apologized.

The Emperor shot a contemptuous glance at her groveling form.

He turned to Rose.

"What do you think? Do the rumors seem true?"

Rose replied promptly.

"I believe they aren't, Your Majesty."

"Exactly. See this? Baseless tales spread in the palace like wildfire, fooling people. Once you're part of the imperial family, you must watch your conduct to avoid such nonsense."

"Yes, I will remember, Your Majesty."

As things veered from her plan, Biota panicked inwardly.

She sidled up to the Emperor, acting coquettish.

"Your Majesty, we can't just let this slide. Regardless of truth, people will believe the rumors. Especially hearing His Highness took this maid to war—most will assume it's true."

"Hm... You're right."

"To quash the rumors... Your Majesty, give her to me?"

"To you?"

"Yes. If she leaves the Crown Prince Palace, the unsavory talk about His Highness will fade quickly. Isn't that what you want too, Miss Rose?"

Biota tried pulling Rose in as an ally.

But unexpectedly, Rose refused.

"N-No, I don't wish for that. I don't mind the rumors at all."

Thrown off, Biota forced a smile and pressed the Emperor again.

"Your Majesty..."

Then Leona lifted her head and spoke.

"Your Majesty. This foolish one doesn't know the rumors... but I realize I've brought shame to His Highness."

She clasped her hands prayerfully, voice trembling.

"Your Majesty, cast me out of the palace at once. His Highness took me to the battlefield only because he enjoys the tea I brew. S-Sob... I thought it fortunate I had such a skill... But to think my presence harms him... I am remorseful and ashamed. If Your Majesty banishes me personally, no one will dare spread rumors. For His Highness's sake, dispose of this lowly one."

Leona slammed her forehead to the floor.

A loud thud echoed.

Biota froze in shock, then hurriedly glanced at the Emperor.

He was frowning in thought.

Whatever calculations he made, it was clear Leona's act had swayed him.

Desperate, Biota shook the Emperor's arm.

But then Rose intervened unexpectedly.

"Your Majesty, if you forcibly separate this maid from His Highness yourself, it might make the rumors seem confirmed. Idle gossip fades on its own if ignored. Please, Your Majesty, pretend this never happened."

"That's my thinking too."

"Your Majesty."

Biota tugged at him pleadingly, trying to sway him back.

But Gilaoba approached first and whispered something in the Emperor's ear.

The Emperor's face hardened instantly.

He shot up from his seat and stormed out of the chamber.

Sensing the grim mood, Biota chased after him without greeting Rose.

With the Emperor and Biota gone, their attendants followed, leaving only Rose and Leona.

Rose, struggling to process the sudden shift, spotted Leona still prostrated on the cold floor and hurried over.

"Miss Maid, you can get up now."

Leona rose slowly, eyes downcast, as Rose helped her.

"Oh no, your forehead... It's bruising. What do we do?"

Rose fretted over the red mark.

Leona stared quietly at her, then quickly bowed when their eyes met.

"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern."

Her voice was calm and gentle.

Her posture polite and composed.

The terrified girl from moments ago was gone.

Rose marveled at the sudden change.

"You're His Highness's close attendant maid, right? I've heard the name."

"...My greetings are late. I'm Leona."

Leona bowed, then thought better and prostrated fully.

"I pay respects to the future Crown Princess."

The startled Rose floundered, then pulled her up hastily.

"Don't bow like that again. I'm just a candidate still. What if you get in trouble because of me?"

Feeling genuine care and consideration, Leona smiled softly.

A sudden urge to truly see Rose welled up.

Leona slowly raised her head.

Meeting Rose's eyes head-on startled her.

The vibrant girl before her differed sharply from the Crown Princess in her memories.

In her past life, the Crown Princess had been crushed by melancholy and fatigue, always withered like a faded flower.

She struggled to adapt to the intrigue-filled palace life.

Yet no one comforted her there.

No one to lean on.

So she shed secret tears and wore a composed smile in public. But she couldn't fully hide her inner turmoil—loneliness and sorrow seeped through her expressions.

Only now did Leona realize.

The Crown Princess had originally possessed such a bright, innocent smile.

"Once you're formally enfeoffed and enter the palace, I'll serve at your side from then on."

Leona vowed.

To protect this girl's radiant smile, keep it from fading.

The next afternoon, the Crown Prince and his Blue Hawk Unit returned to the palace.

He granted them three days' leave and dismissed them, then headed straight for the palace baths.

After leisurely washing up, Gerard and Barts awaited him.

As Barts helped him dress, Gerard reported on palace events.

"Anu Palace has been strangely tense since yesterday. After the palace guard commander rushed there yesterday afternoon, His Majesty secluded himself in his chambers, refusing meals."

"Is Father unwell? Has the imperial physician been summoned?"

"No. No physician. Instead, the guard commander and deputy have been visiting the chambers in turns, and all other access is banned. Even the lady of Moran Palace was turned away."

"How odd. Any idea what's happening?"

"Apologies. Security around Anu Palace is airtight; intel is hard to get."

Kamin stroked his chin, secretly curling his lips.

"Did Father summon me?"

"No."

"Got it. Report any messages from Anu Palace immediately."

Dressed, Kamin headed for the door.

Gerard urgently stopped him.

"Your Highness."

"More to report?"

"Yesterday, before secluding himself... His Majesty summoned Leona to Anu Palace."

"What?"

Kamin's face darkened.

Gerard first confirmed Leona was safe, then detailed yesterday's events.

Though relieved she was unharmed, Kamin's expression stayed grim.

Leona had handled herself well this time, but no one could guarantee her safety next time.

If something happened to her in his absence...

The mere thought made his head spin.

He'd thought the palace safer than the battlefield, so no separate guard for her. Now he saw that judgment was wrong.

This place was harsher and deadlier than any battlefield.

"From now on, if Anu Palace summons Leona again, tell me first. If I'm away, stall with any excuse until I return—keep her protected in the palace."

"But if His Majesty insists..."

Gerard hesitated, but Kamin issued a stern order.

"Even Father. I'll assign some Blue Hawk troops to you. If needed, confront with force."

"Your Highness!"

Gerard paled in shock.

Barts gaped in horror.

Kamin ignored their reactions.

He gripped Gerard's shoulder fiercely.

"Leona's safety is your responsibility from now on. Understood?"

"...Yes. Leave it to me."

Gerard wiped sweat from his brow.

He'd answered, but worry gnawed at him.

Improvise if needed, but avoid that worst-case scenario at all costs, he resolved inwardly.

Still uneasy, Kamin decided to assign Jahankun to Leona whenever he left the palace next.