Chapter 75

With Nathan's arrival, the palpable tension that had filled the air just moments before instantly evaporated, leaving a sense of peace in its wake. His presence, a silent command for calm, instantly diffused the explosive situation. Sir Tomario, whose unexpected interference left us all speechless and bewildered, was revealed to be Miss Bettie's son, and his true name is Pervess Flinn Porche, a knight newly appointed to serve in Nathan's retinue.

"Your majesty, I've just received a letter announcing prince Paolo's arrival in a few days. Has Ronaco provided you with any advance notification of his visit?" Nathan inquired, his expression one of anxiety.

"Indeed, son." sighed the emperor before folding his arms across his chest.

"Their impromptu decision to include the troublesome second prince in the delegation was quite unexpected. King Pascual informed me of this change of plans last minute, and time had not permitted me the chance to notify you of the situation."

"It seems he's facing exile because of his involvement in an international sex trafficking ring, selling vulnerable women into horrific conditions abroad. A practice that's been illegal in Ronaco for decades."

"Meaning he's being sent here to be our problem. How irresponsible of them."

Am I supposed to be listening in on this conversation? As soon as they began to talk, a palpable tension immediately filled the room, making the atmosphere thick with anticipation and unease. It hadn't occurred to me until now, but Nathan is the spitting image of his father, even down to the way they tilt their heads. When they speak, their similar mannerisms and facial expressions, including identical smiles and eyebrow movements, are impossible to ignore.

"I'm aware of the tension between the two of you, but rest assured, I'll be monitoring prince Paolo carefully during his time at the palace. Besides, his uncle will…"

Who's this Paolo prince they keep referring to?

"That being said…Care to tell me who this young lady is?"

My disguise proved so effective that I momentarily forgot I was wearing it. Given this is my first meeting with the emperor while in camouflage, his failure to recognize me is entirely explicable.

"Father, have your eyesight gotten worse these days? How could you not recognize princess Charlotte, who is sitting right across from you?" said Nathan with a playful chuckle.

Is he… teasing the emperor right now?

"This is neither the time nor place to jest, prince Kazein. Now tell me who she is before I summon the guards."

Oh dear! The atmosphere has become even more suffocating than before.

"I humbly request your pardon, your majesty. I have recently assumed the position of secretary to his imperial highness. T-therefore, I…T-this…this is just a wig that-"

The emperor's sudden frown, etched deep into his face, and the chilling weight of his aura sent a shiver down my spine, making my words catch in my throat.

"What is the meaning of this, crown prince Kazein? Is this how I taught you to treat a woman?"

With a slow, deliberate movement, his Majesty rose from his seat, his eyes blazing with barely controlled fury, his voice a dangerous blend of anger and calm. A violent shiver wracked my body once more, my heart a frantic drum against my ribs as I struggled to keep my composure.

"Answer me, Nathaniel!" he roared loudly. His voice echoed throughout the spacious drawing room.

Nathan, however, remained calm and speechless, a stark contrast to his father's agitated shouting and frantic gestures. With a daring look, his back straightened, fists clenched tight, he finally meets his father's gaze in such a manner that subtly challenged his father.

"I entrusted the princess to you, and this is how you treat her? How are you any different from the duchess?!"

I should intervene before the situation explodes any further. I can feel the simmering anger between them rising to a dangerous level.

"Do not compare me to that conniving woman, father!" Nathan yelled in response as he sprung off his seat, fuming in anger.

"How dare you raise your-"

His majesty's voice trailed off as he clutched his chest, a look of pain flashing across his face. His ragged breaths hitched in his chest, and a painful wheeze escaped his lips. The left side of his body grew limp in an instant, which would have sent him crashing to the floor if Nathan hadn't been there to catch him.

"Fa-father! What's wrong? What's the matter, father?"

Nathan's anger vanished as he held the emperor, desperately urging him to stay awake. His brows furrowed, his jaws constricted in frustration, and visible veins pulsed in his temples as he fought back the tears welling up in his eyes.

+++

It's much too early in the morning for all this yelling. I had finally managed to get Abrielle to fall asleep, before Cadhiel came bursting into our chamber because of the commotion coming from downstairs. It's fortunate that our little one is a deep sleeper.

"Mama! Papa! Aunt Flowette is scawy!" he whined as he wriggled his way in between us on the bed.

*Translation* (Aunt Florette is scary)

My husband, the elder brother of the scary aunt, was sound asleep throughout the entire disturbing racket below. Even the rhythmic thud of Cadhiel's hurried steps couldn't penetrate his deep sleep.

"Stay with Abrie and your father, Cadhiel. Mama will go downstairs to investigate the matter."

"Okay, mama! Come back quickly!"

His speech has gotten significantly better lately, I must say. I suppose I have Fati to thank for that. It is truly unfortunate that she is not here to see the results of her hard work and dedication to teaching him.

~Meanwhile, downstairs

"M-mother! Could I possibly be dreaming? I can't believe his Highness actually invited me for tea at the Nextera Palace! Oh, the joy! The excitement!"

The gleam of excitement in Florette's eyes, bright as the midday sun, filled me with a profound sense of accomplishment. It seems my audience with the empress bore unexpected results, proving more fruitful than I'd expected. I had been prepared to bring this matter before the emperor himself had she dismissed my appeal, a course of action I now find unnecessary. Slowly but surely, I plan to reclaim my dominion over her, drawing her back into my sphere of control. That way, my cleverly devised schemes will avoid any setbacks, even if things were to get dangerous.

"What is all this commotion about so early in the morning?"

"Your highness!" Florette exclaimed, her excitement propelling her towards the duchess.

"Look! It's a letter from his highness, the crown prince!"

Florette innocently spread the small piece of paper in front of her scowling gaze, only to have the duchess snatch the paper from her grasp. As she carefully perused its content, the already sour expression on her face curdled further, intensifying her displeasure before she finally returned the letter to Florette. With a saccharine 'Congratulations' dripping with false sweetness towards my daughter, she spared me a withering, arrogant glare before turning and quietly ascending the stairs.

"Mother, what should I wear? What is the best way to style my hair? We should summon the couturier at once, and…"

*sigh* Oh, you sweet little angel of mine. Who will protect you from these…foes if not your dearest mother? I won't let anyone touch a single hair off you for as long as I live.

"Florette, my sweet darling. How about we discuss those details over a steaming cup of tea as we await breakfast?"

"That sounds like a novel idea, mother. Let us do just that." She responded cheerfully, frolicking her way down the hall.

"The tearoom is in the opposite direction, my dove."

I have never witnessed her exhibiting such an extraordinary level of cheerfulness and enthusiasm. How wonderful!

+++

The remarkable difference in healing natural ailments lies in the holistic approach it allows, drawing on the body's innate capacity for self-repair. As the emperor's condition was not impacted by external agents such as dark magic or poison, his heart was fully restored, with no adverse effects on my end. I can't help but feel a profound sense of accomplishment, as if I have achieved something that holds deep meaning and will have a lasting impact. Saving someone's life sure feels rewarding.

"Princess…" mumbled the emperor in a daze.

To allow for a speedy recovery, I have induced him into a state of sleep; however, it seems he is struggling against its effects. Given the extremely poor condition of his heart, his collapse would have undoubtedly resulted in death had I not been present to assist him. Thus, he'll need plenty of rest to make a full recovery.

"I am here, your majesty. The empress and the crown prince stepped away for a moment. They'll be back in a little while. May I assist you with anything, sire?"

Their faces, etched with worry about his health, visibly relaxed as soon as I assured them he was out of danger, and they quickly left the room. Given their typically stoic and impassive natures, it was rather amusing and unexpected to see them make such unusual expressions.

"Princess…I must tell you…all about…your uncle, grand duke Sebastian."

"P-pardon? My…uncle?"

+++

"I believe his majesty will delegate the contract reviews to you this year, your highness. According to the princess, his convalescence state will last a while."

"Have we yet to find a capable translator for those documents? If we don't tackle this issue now, we'll have to wait for another five years."

"I'm afraid we're still having difficulties locating an expert linguist, but we are still looking for candidates."

The timing of this could not have been more unfavorable. Once every five years, the emperor, in a display of great power and influence, convenes a grand assembly where representatives from every allied nation gather to discuss and formally review the existing trade contracts that bind their countries together. A major obstacle is the fact that these documents are often written in their native language, and the absence of translation resources has been a persistent burden to us. Given the difficulty in finding translators, we proceeded cautiously, mindful of the possibility of deception. But I can't shake this feeling that these old fools may have been exploiting our weakness this entire time, knowing full well that by the time it comes to light, they'd have already swindled us plenty.

"Her majesty the empress is entering." bellowed a guard from behind the doors.