Chapter 10: Demonstrate Your Promised Abilities

As a result, Cecile found herself trapped in an undignified position, forced to listen while perched atop him.

"You possess the power to wreak havoc without consequence. My adversaries will be powerless against you. Those who despise me will undoubtedly applaud your actions. They do not desire a wise and virtuous empress by my side. A kind and compassionate empress does not align with their agenda. They are constantly searching for an opportunity to torment me."

Cecile now understood why he was pushing her towards misdeeds. The emperor wouldn't complain about any chaos she caused. In fact, he would likely commend her for it. Outsiders would assume the emperor was infatuated with a villainess and spread the word. Even rumors of misdeeds she had no part in would likely be exaggerated and disseminated.

The emperor's adversaries sought to exploit his vulnerabilities. An empress engaged in all sorts of wicked acts would undoubtedly appear to be a significant weakness to his enemies. They would leave her be until the moment they struck at the emperor. In any case, she would be safe until then.

So she replied, "I understand. I will do my best to create havoc."

What other choice did she have if that was the only way to survive?

The emperor nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit."

"But do you think I'll succeed?"

"You can. You possess the talent," Estian firmly replied, hearing the concern in Cecile's voice.

"…Talent to become a villainess?"

"Yes. Your ability to articulate so eloquently before me alone demonstrates an abundance of talent. The other three women couldn't even meet my gaze or speak coherently."

"But to claim that I have the talent to become an evildoer based on that alone is a bit..."

Hearing Cecile's somewhat indignant voice, Estian tugged at her arms, causing her swaying body to fall onto his chest. He relished the soft sensation against him.

"You're not perfect, of course. It seems you'll need some practice."

"Practice...?"

Estian's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "We'll start with that during the time I have left."

Act 2: All for the Empress

A commotion stirred within the imperial palace. Whether they were court officials, knights, or attendants going about their duties, they all shared a common topic of interest.

"Rumor has it that His Majesty is utterly infatuated with Her Majesty the Empress."

A week had already passed since the shocking wedding of the emperor. On the wedding day, those who witnessed the bride, defiantly declaring she wouldn't move until the emperor personally escorted her, all had the same thought: If you're seeking death, kindly do so quietly...

Contrary to everyone's expectations, however, the woman survived and became the empress. And to everyone's surprise, she continued to live another day. But that was not all.

The emperor, who had always been indifferent towards women, spent the entire night in the bridal chamber. According to hearsay, the very next day, he rushed to visit the empress while she was bathing, unable to bear a moment apart from her. Subsequently, he granted her one of the most exquisite palaces in the imperial complex, surpassing the original chambers prepared for her. From that moment onwards, the emperor secluded himself within that palace and did not emerge.

The attendants who entered the palace daily to deliver meals and attend to cleaning duties emerged with flushed faces. Strict rules prohibited them from disclosing any observations from within the empress' palace. Nevertheless, the soiled bedsheets and ruined garments they carried out spoke volumes about the days of pleasure unfolding inside. Armed with a letter they had received from the emperor, the attendants sought out Kane.

After finishing reading the letter, Kane tried re-reading it sideways, upside down, and even held it up to the light, but found no hidden code. Disbelief etched across his face. The contents of the letter were simple.

Allow everyone to rest until the end of the honeymoon.

The knights, who were preparing for an inspection parade, and the ministers, who were preparing for a meeting, were left speechless by this unprecedented situation.

The emperor taking time off work?

Such a thing had never happened before. On the day following his enthronement, he placed the severed head of his half-brother, whom he had executed for treason, on his desk and continued with his duties. That was the type of man he was. On that day, court officials witnessed the emperor signing documents, dipping his quill in the blood flowing from the head. None dared suggest he take a day off.

Naturally, everyone assumed that the emperor would attend to state affairs as usual, honeymoon or not. Therefore, the court officials arrived at the imperial palace as they normally would, only to discover that the emperor would be taking a break. Not for a day, but for an entire week!

"What kind of woman could the Empress be to elicit such behavior from His Majesty?"

All they knew was that she appeared rather unstable on the wedding day.

"She did seem beautiful, but..."

Her face wasn't clearly visible that day due to the wedding veil, but the faint outline they caught a glimpse of suggested she was quite lovely. The more people discussed her, the more they realized they knew nothing about her.

* * *

Today, after a week of seclusion, the empress would finally make her first official appearance. Court officials gathered in the central hall of the imperial palace, fixing their gaze forward, tension etched across their faces. These men, who usually cowered in fear at the mere thought of meeting the emperor's gaze, summoned fleeting courage and positioned themselves closer to the front. Trumpets signaled the emperor's entrance. All the officials stood up straight, lowering their heads at the sound.

Regardless of the recent odd occurrences, the long-standing fear that had gripped them propelled their bodies into motion. The approaching footsteps of two individuals reached their ears. Until now, they were accustomed to hearing the sound of a single pair of footsteps. It served as a reminder that the emperor had married and accepted an empress.

"Raise your heads," commanded the emperor.

The officials obeyed his command as if they had been awaiting it, their gazes immediately drawn to the figure standing by the emperor's side.

"Goodness!"

"Oh...!"

"My word...!"

Various exclamations burst forth from the officials. Unlike during the wedding ceremony, the empress standing beside the emperor wore a golden crown instead of a veil. She gazed at them with a faint smile.

"Is she truly that beautiful?"

Upon seeing the empress, her lips slightly upturned, the officials were first taken aback by her beauty. Her platinum hair, resembling sunlight filtering through falling leaves, was meticulously braided into an elegant bun. Underneath her soft tresses were her emerald-green eyes, reminiscent of early summer forests, blinking beneath long lashes. A subtle blush graced her flawless, clear complexion, affirming her humanity.

Unknown to them, she received special care and nourishment, for she exuded vibrancy with her youthful skin and radiant countenance.

"As you are well aware, I have accepted an empress. I trust that the loyalty you have shown me thus far will extend to my other half, the empress, without wavering," the emperor declared.

Every member of the court kneeled and raised their voices in unison.

"We pledge our unwavering loyalty to Her Majesty the Empress!"

Having made their pledge with resounding voices, they awaited the empress's response. Nearly all the court officials had proclaimed their loyalty in disciplined harmony. It was a sight that quickened the hearts of those standing in the back.

"You may rise," the newly crowned empress spoke with a clear and melodious voice.

The officials stood, feeling a sense of relief. Although she had displayed erratic behavior during the wedding, their empress appeared composed.

Just as they began to relax, anticipating more words from her, the empress turned to the emperor and asked, "So, when will you show me what you promised, Your Majesty?"

In a surprising turn of events, the empress linked her arm with the emperor's and began speaking in an affectionate manner. The officials widened their eyes. Estian despised physical contact with others. Unlike the previous emperor and other noblemen, he did not allow attendants into his chambers or avail himself of their services. Even Kane had to maintain a certain distance from Estian. And yet, the empress clung to his arm? It was expected that the emperor would swiftly order her execution.

Contrary to expectations, however, Estian embraced Cecile by the waist instead of drawing his sword, calmly responding, "I didn't expect you to ask for it so soon."

"You repeatedly mentioned it before we arrived, Your Majesty. You said I would be astonished. Well, I certainly am. I don't see a single thing you mentioned. Did you deceive me? You promised that I would find the empire's treasure here."

"Can't you see it right in front of you? All these officials are the very treasures of our empire."

The officials suddenly felt a wave of nausea at the emperor's words.

Pardon me? What did you say? Treasures of the empire? Weren't you the one who threatened to hang us in twelve pieces from the walls of the imperial palace if we failed to prove our worth?

"You see, they dedicate their flesh, bones, and souls to their work. They toil for the empire like dogs, in the truest sense."

Ah, yes, of course.

The unsettling feeling in their stomachs subsided upon hearing his usual callous words, and a brief moment of melancholy gripped their hearts. Who would have imagined they would feel relief upon hearing such insults?

Me and my life... Oh, how I long to go home.

Just as the officials pondered the meaning of life and questioned the direction their lives were taking, the empress voiced her discontent. "This isn't the kind of treasure I was expecting. I want to go back now."

"Oh, my dear, you're so impatient," the emperor remarked.

Once again, discomfort coursed through the officials. They had been thinking it for some time now—the emperor and empress seemed to exist in a world of their own. A world akin to those found within romance novels, brimming with rosy warmth where lovers saw no one but each other. But above all... was the emperor truly capable of speaking in such a tender tone to another?

Unfazed by the astonishment of his loyal subjects, the emperor tightened his grip around Cecile's waist and issued a command. "But that impatience is part of your charm. Very well, men, bring forth the items I mentioned earlier."

Following Estian's command, an attendant entered respectfully, carrying a red cushion with something atop it. Yet, he was not the last to enter. Dozens of attendants lined up in the hall, kneeling before the emperor and reverently displaying what they had brought.

"Why are there so many attendants?"

"Good heavens, aren't those the treasures of the empire? Isn't that the diamond necklace gifted to the emperor by the Regias Mines' owner two generations ago?"

"Look over there! It's Piot's Ruby! I've only seen it in books!"

The individuals gathered in the hall grew increasingly excited as they realized that the items being brought in by the attendants were imperial treasures. Each item was legendary, deserving of volumes written about them.

"Wait a moment. Why were these items prepared in the first place?"

"I... I'm not sure."

As their excitement subsided, a collective question arose. Why had these jewels been taken from the imperial treasury and brought here?

* * *

A procession of attendants continued to carry in a line of exquisite jewels. Cecile's throat went dry at the sight.