The Evil Empress Adores Me-Chapter 60

Although the ending wasn’t particularly good, if one were to put the blame ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) on something...

"It was because the Emperor was petty."

Matthias’ eyes narrowed.

Even if the first instance could be considered a coincidence, the second one couldn’t be dismissed so easily.

In the end, it was only right to acknowledge that the little girl had managed to overcome difficulties using her own abilities.

“...If she grows up well, she might become quite the asset to Rose.”

With that thought, Matthias slightly raised his evaluation of Charlize.

At that moment, the Empress slyly leaned in and spoke to him.

"Oh, Brother. You can be honest with me."

"...About what?"

The Empress nudged Matthias’ side with her elbow and gave him a mischievous smile.

"You’ve fallen completely for our Charl’s charm too, haven’t you?"

"What?"

Matthias froze with a dumbfounded expression.

But the Empress was already too engrossed in her affection for Charlize.

"Well, it was only a matter of time before you admitted it too."

"What?"

The Empress looked at Matthias with determined eyes.

"Our Charl is the cutest child in the world!"

"......."

Matthias fell into silence.

But it was clear that the Empress wouldn’t back down until she got an answer from him.

In the end, with a reluctant expression, he gave a slight nod.

"Well... she is cute."

"Right? She’s so, so adorable, isn’t she? So lovable you just want to bite her!"

"...Not to that extent."

"What do you mean not to that extent?!"

Watching his overly excited younger sister, Matthias suddenly thought about Charlize.

In the desolate imperial palace, she was the only one who could make his sister truly happy.

A small but distinct smile appeared on Matthias’ lips.

"Charlize."

"Yes?"

I lifted my head abruptly while cleaning up after the tea time.

"Hurry along, the Grand Empress Dowager is waiting for you."

"F-for me?"

My eyes widened in shock.

Why me, all of a sudden?

But the Head Maid simply pushed me forward, telling me I’d find out the details from the Grand Empress Dowager herself.

"Oh, what do I do now?"

I swallowed dryly.

The tea time hadn’t exactly ended on a peaceful note, and I was involved in that mess.

Hesitantly, I made my way inside, heading towards the sitting room where the Grand Empress Dowager was waiting.

"Come here, Charlize."

She gestured for me with a light motion of her hand.

Then she offered me a seat.

"Sit across from me."

I hesitated before sitting down.

Unlike when we had baked the cake together earlier, now I felt so anxious I could throw up.

After a moment, the Grand Empress Dowager spoke.

"About that juice earlier."

"J-juice?"

I stiffened.

...So she was going to reprimand me for angering the Emperor during tea time after all?

But after gazing at me in silence for a while, the Grand Empress Dowager asked something completely unexpected.

"You seemed to have prepared it knowing that my teeth are weak. Is that right?"

"...Yes, that’s right."

I nodded with a timid voice.

Then, cautiously, I glanced at her expression.

"I-I’m sorry for overstepping."

"What? What are you saying?"

"I just thought that because I brought out the juice, the whole tea time got ruined..."

Feeling guilty, I trailed off without realizing it.

But at that moment—

"No, why would you say that?"

The Grand Empress Dowager’s expression turned serious.

Huh?

I blinked in surprise.

"I only wanted to thank you."

Her wrinkled hand gently wrapped around my small one.

Her voice was tinged with bittersweet emotions.

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"Rather, it was because of me that you got into trouble."

"What? No! Please don’t say that!"

"No, it’s important to be clear about the cause and effect."

Shaking her head, she lightly patted the back of my hand.

"You were scolded earlier, but it wasn’t your fault at all."

"But, Grand Empress Dowager..."

"The Emperor couldn’t bring himself to get angry at me, so he took it out on you instead."

Her voice was unusually firm.

After a short pause, she continued, enunciating each word with strength.

"So don’t let it get to you. Understand?"

Her warm reassurance made me relax my stiffened shoulders a little.

"Most of all, I am very grateful to you."

"...To me?"

"Of course. How did you even know about my teeth and make such a thoughtful gesture?"

She smiled gently as she spoke.

Then, with a wistful look, she gazed at me.

"If only you were a maid of the Grand Empress Dowager’s Palace..."

...Uh, if that happened, wouldn’t the Empress throw a massive fit?

Despite her outward composure, our Empress had quite the temper.

I smiled awkwardly.

"Thank you for your kindness."

Only after hearing my reply did the Grand Empress Dowager smile and hand me a beautifully wrapped cake box.

"Oh, this is the cake we made earlier."

"......."

A strange, bittersweet feeling welled up inside me as I looked down at the box.

Could it be that she wrapped it herself?

I gently fiddled with the butterfly-shaped ribbon that was loosely tied.

Even in its clumsy wrapping, I could feel how much she cared for Diamid.

"Please deliver it for me."

"Of course! I’ll make sure to give it to His Highness!"

The Grand Empress Dowager nodded, looking as if she might tear up.

Clutching the heavy box carefully, I dashed out of the palace.

The next day.

I made my way to the Crown Prince’s quarters just in time for lunch.

Officially, I was there to oversee the delivery of supplies, but...

"W-what on earth is happening?"

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Diamid looked as if he were about to faint, staring blankly at the lavish feast laid out before him.

Several maids had entered, setting up a table and placing an array of dishes upon it.

The delicious aroma filled the entirety of the Crown Prince’s quarters.

My eyes sparkled.

Oh, this was the scent of freshly roasted chicken!

The Head Chef really went all out this time!

I trotted over to Diamid.

"Your Highness."

"H-huh? Charl?"

Still dazed, Diamid snapped out of it and turned to me.

Heh, surprised?

This is exactly why I planned this as a surprise party!

Satisfied, I grinned.

"Your Highness, happy birthday!"

"What? My birthday?"

Diamid looked puzzled.

"Wait... Did you prepare all this just for my birthday?"

"Of course!"

"...Why?"

Why?

I blinked at him in confusion.

His crimson eyes held an indescribable light.

Ah, I’ve seen this expression on him before...

"That time, after the Empress found out about my visits to him, when I returned to his side."

Back then, Diamid had this exact look on his face.

So overwhelmed with emotions that he didn’t even know what to say.

Letting out a sigh, I spoke.

"Because Your Highness will be the Empire’s future sun. It’s only right to celebrate your birthday."

Diamid’s eyes wavered for a brief moment.

"So... you’re celebrating my birthday just because I’m the Crown Prince?"

"Well, that’s the official reason."

After a brief thought, I added,

"But really, it’s because I cherish you."

"...You cherish me?"

"Of course. That’s why I want to celebrate the fact that you were born."

Nodding firmly, I suddenly felt a little bittersweet.

After all, once Sienna appeared...

"I’ll have to step aside for her."

That’s why, while we were still together, I wanted to make the most of it.

"By the way, Your Highness."

I gave him a playful glare.

"I am your dedicated maid, so why didn’t you tell me about your birthday?"

"Huh? No, that’s..."

"I had to hear about it from someone else. That really hurt, you know?"

Diamid once again wore a helpless expression.

"So from now on, tell me everything about you. Got it?"

"...Got it."

His ears turned red as he gave a small nod.

I flashed him a bright smile, but then suddenly turned my head.

Because right at that moment—

"Charl!"

"Ah, Your Majesty! You’re here?"

"I didn’t come alone. I brought someone with me."

The Empress pulled at the sleeve of the man behind her.

Wait... that’s—?!

I gasped in shock.

"Y-Your Majesty, why...?"

With a groan, the man stepped forward.

It was Duke Rochester!

"Good things should always be shared, don’t you think?"

The Empress puffed out her chest proudly.

Glancing to the side, I saw Diamid looking as stunned as a frightened rabbit.

Yeah, well, if I was shocked, imagine how he must feel.

But regardless, the Empress looked at me with sparkling eyes.

"So, praise me, Charl."