The Evil Empress Adores Me-Chapter 70
I quickly washed my face and body, ridding myself of the tea that had drenched me, and changed into a fresh maid’s uniform.
In the middle of dressing, my hands slowed.
House Rochester wants to adopt me...?
‘If I accept this opportunity, I can truly become part of the Empress’s family, right?’
That means I could call her Rose Unni in front of others instead of Her Majesty.
Just imagining it filled me with happiness.
It felt like having a mouthful of sweet candy.
But...
‘If I become a daughter of House Rochester, I won’t be able to live in the imperial palace anymore. That means...’
Diamid.
My heart sank.
In other words, Diamid would be alone again.
Of course, Her Majesty and the other maids would continue looking after him.
‘But I wouldn’t be able to visit him as often as I do now.’
The Empress has the Duke and her palace attendants.
But right now, I’m the only one Diamid has.
Of course, I know that in the distant future, Sienna will appear.
But there’s still a long time before the two of them actually meet...
The resigned look in Diamid’s eyes right before I left the banquet flashed in my mind.
Diamid, what am I supposed to do with you?
“Haa...”
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Before I knew it, I let out a deep sigh.
When I returned to the banquet hall after changing, I was met with an unexpected shock.
A most unwelcome guest had arrived at the Empress’s palace.
It was none other than the Emperor.
Wait, why is the Emperor here of all places?
I was immediately thrown into confusion.
Just then, Weber leaned in and whispered to me.
“Charl, Lady Bennet left earlier.”
“Oh...”
I nodded and glanced at the noble ladies.
They were frozen stiff at the Emperor’s sudden arrival.
Completely at a loss, they kept exchanging nervous glances.
“Why do you all look so tense? Relax.”
The Emperor, now seated comfortably, smiled in what appeared to be a friendly manner.
Then, he turned to greet Diamid.
“It’s been a while, Diamid.”
His tone was so casual that I nearly burst out laughing in disbelief.
After everything he’s done to Diamid, how could he act like this now?
How could someone be this shameless?
But the Emperor, entirely indifferent to the stunned reactions around him, raised an eyebrow.
His voice took on a pointed edge.
“Well, Diamid. Are you planning to stand there without greeting me?”
“...Crown Prince Diamid greets Your Majesty.”
Only then did Diamid snap out of his daze.
He quickly bowed his head, prompting the already-tense noble ladies to follow suit.
“We greet Your Majesty.”
“We greet Your Majesty.”
Ugh, this is why it’s miserable to have no power.
I sighed and lowered my head as well.
“Charlize, imperial maid, greets Your Majesty.”
“Charl.”
At that moment, I heard a warm voice calling my name.
Wait, this voice...?
My eyes lit up.
“I greet Her Majesty the Empress.”
“Yes, yes.”
Her Majesty, hearing my formal greeting, smiled and gently patted my head.
At that moment, the Emperor, now wearing a displeased expression, inserted himself into the conversation.
“I have heard that Her Majesty is quite fond of this young maid.”
...Emperor, do you have no sense?
Can’t you see how cold Her Majesty’s expression is becoming?
“But no matter how much you care for her, the difference in status is absolute.”
“...A difference in status?”
“Yes. So it would be best if you began keeping some distance.”
Ah... that’s true.
Because Her Majesty has treated me like a younger sister, I’d completely forgotten.
The truth is, our statuses are worlds apart.
Feeling embarrassed, I instinctively took a small step back.
But at that moment, Her Majesty wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
Huh?
I widened my eyes.
“No, Charl is like my little sister.”
“I understand that Your Majesty cherishes her. However, a noble Empress and a mere maid do not belong together.”
“With all due respect, that is for me to decide, not Your Majesty.”
Her Majesty’s graceful eyes curved into a smile.
It was as beautiful as a fully bloomed rose, but hidden within was a sharp thorn.
She continued.
“Besides, if I recall correctly, Your Majesty has taken women of lower status into your embrace multiple times.”
“...Empress.”
“In fact, even just from my own memory, the number is well over twenty... Am I mistaken?”
At that casual remark, the Emperor’s eyes narrowed.
I swallowed dryly.
Her Majesty really doesn’t miss a beat.
I mean, considering that in the original story, he even took in a mistress twenty years younger than himself, it’s not surprising...
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But still, is it really okay to say this so openly?
There are noble ladies here, all gathered as candidates for court attendants.
Glancing around, I saw that their eyes were just as wide as mine.
I couldn’t help but feel a little sympathetic.
Yeah, this must be shocking for them too...
“Enough. That is not the reason I came here.”
The Emperor turned his head in irritation.
Oh, Her Majesty won this round!
I held back a smile.
At that moment, my gaze met the Empress’s.
Ah, was I laughing too obviously?
Flustered, I quickly corrected {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} my expression, but Her Majesty only gave me a playful wink.
Ugh, Your Majesty! You’re making my heart race!
“Anyway, Diamid.”
The Emperor’s gaze shifted to the Crown Prince.
Diamid tensed slightly.
The Emperor continued.
“I have come today regarding the upcoming Harvest Festival.”
Harvest Festival?
I tilted my head.
Why bring it up now?
Until now, the Emperor had never invited Diamid to the festival before.
“For this year’s festival, I would like you to serve as my attendant. What do you think?”
“...Your Majesty!”
The Empress turned toward the Emperor in shock.
An attendant?!
I, too, stared at the Emperor in disbelief.
What the hell is he saying?
He wants Diamid to serve as an attendant?!
Diamid is the Empire’s only Crown Prince!
He should be standing beside the Emperor and Empress as they lead the ritual, not serving someone!
The Empress’s voice rose.
“To make such a suggestion to the Crown Prince, who must perform the ritual—this is outrageous!”
“Well now. Whether it is outrageous or not is not for Your Majesty to decide.”
The Emperor’s sneering smile made the Empress’s expression stiffen.
She exhaled sharply.
“But Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is the Empire’s sole heir to the throne.”
“Oh, Empress. Do you really think I am unaware of that?”
The Emperor asked nonchalantly.
...Goodness.
I was almost impressed by the sheer thickness of his skin.
Only someone this shameless could steal his own nephew’s throne without a second thought.
The Empress shook her head in disbelief.
The Emperor glanced back at Diamid.
“And in this matter, I believe Diamid’s opinion is more important than yours, Your Majesty.”
“......”
Diamid remained silent.
I clenched my fists.
I couldn’t even begin to imagine how much humiliation Diamid must be feeling right now.
For the Crown Prince to serve as an attendant...
‘It would be a public declaration that Diamid is beneath the Emperor.’
This banquet hall was filled with noble ladies selected as potential attendants.
By making this suggestion in front of them...
‘He’s making it clear that Diamid should never dream of ruling. That he’s no different from these young ladies—just another servant.’
...That’s what this is about.
To publicly disgrace him and revel in his suffering.
Diamid, what are you going to do?
I looked at him anxiously.
Diamid slowly lifted his head.
“I accept.”
His steady voice echoed through the hall.
I shut my eyes tightly.
The Emperor examined him with amused eyes.
“Hoh, you accept my proposal?”
“Yes. I am grateful for Your Majesty’s grace.”
Diamid bowed.
The Emperor grinned.
“Well, that’s how it should be.”
Watching Diamid’s expressionless face, I felt my insides burn.
Grace?
The Emperor’s delighted gaze lingered on Diamid as he lowered himself.
Then.
The Emperor tilted his head.
“Speaking of which, Diamid.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I’ve heard you have quite the talent for swordsmanship.”
“...That is too much praise.”
A flicker of wariness crossed Diamid’s face.
My own lips went dry.
The Emperor never praised Diamid for no reason.
