Episode 17

Episode 17. Could it Be…?

“You want to increase the number of guards at the Empress’s palace?”

“Yes.”

It was late at night. Leonard, who had come to Gabian’s office, made the request directly.

“You’re well aware the Empress’s palace has been poorly guarded, sir.”

Gabian didn’t respond right away. He sat in silence, lost in thought, before finally opening his mouth.

“Sir Leonard.”

“Yes.”

“Are you really saying this out of concern for the Empress’s security?”

“…I’m not sure what you mean.”

“This isn’t like you.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You’re cold. Calculated. A man of discipline and duty—a role model for all knights.”

“Are you saying my request is unreasonable?”

Gabian shook his head.

“Your request is justified. But this matter isn’t about what’s fair. Everyone already knows His Majesty holds the imperial concubine in special regard.”

“I’m not suggesting we neglect her palace’s security. I’m asking that we at least show a modicum of respect to the Empress.”

“It amounts to the same thing. If we’re not careful, we could find ourselves caught in the crossfire.”

“Then I’ll take responsibility. I’ll serve as the Empress’s personal guard.”

“Sir Leonard!” Gabian raised his voice sharply. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but you’re the captain of the knights. And yet you want to be her personal guard? How do you think the others would see that?”

Leonard said nothing for a long moment, simply holding Gabian’s gaze. Then he spoke again:

“While dozens of knights are assigned to the imperial concubine’s palace, the Empress has no proper escort. How does that make sense?”

Gabian remained silent in the face of his words.

“If even a request of this scale can’t be accepted, then I’ll step down from my position.”

“…You can’t be serious,” Gabian frowned deeply. “I’ve heard you’d been visiting the Empress’s palace often lately. But… don’t tell me. Are you serious about her?”

“Does it matter?”

“She’s the Empress.”

“I’m well aware,” Leonard replied calmly, turning to leave.

Behind him, Gabian let out a long, weary sigh.

“His Majesty will never allow it. No matter how reasonable your request may be.”

Leonard stepped out into the corridor.

Though it was spring, the wind was sharp against his face.

At first, it had been mere curiosity. He’d felt a flicker of interest in someone who had discovered a side of him he thought he’d buried.

How had she known?

How much did she know?

That was the only reason he’d approached her. Or so he told himself.

But then—

Golden hair that shimmered in the light. Violet eyes that sparkled with emotion. A face that revealed every thought with disarming honesty.

Whenever he was with her, he found himself smiling without realizing it.

Could someone like that really be the notorious villainess everyone whispered about?

Of course not.

Before he knew it, curiosity had grown into something else—something warmer. Softer.

He wanted to keep watching her; that startled, rabbit-like expression of hers stuck in his mind.

Then earlier today, he’d discovered traces of an intruder near the Empress’s palace. The tracks led directly to her chambers.

He’d found the room empty.

And in that instant, a wave of panic crashed over him.

Without thinking, his body moved.

He ran across the palace, searching every place she might go.

He couldn’t even recall what he’d been thinking.

And when he finally found her—

“Don’t worry. Just as you said, I’m not such a terrible person.”

She was standing beside that strange man.

At the sight, his chest tightened; his thoughts went cold.

Now, just remembering it made his stomach churn.

That must have been why—

Even knowing how reckless it was, he’d made the demand anyway.

“Captain!”

A young knight ran up to him—it was Conrad.

“What happened? I heard Gabian shouting all the way out here!”

Glancing up at Leonard with wide eyes, he asked carefully:

“Did he scold you for being late to the last meeting or something?”

“It’s nothing.”

“It didn’t sound like nothing! Did Gabian make some unreasonable demand? Just say the word—everyone in the Order knows how much we respect you.”

“It wasn’t Gabian’s fault. I told him I wanted to personally guard the Empress.”

“…!”

Conrad’s eyes widened in shock.

“Y-you want to be her personal guard?”

“Yes.”

“But why?”

“Because it’s necessary.”

“That’s impossible! Even if Gabian approved, His Majesty would never agree to it.”

“…So I’ve heard.”

“His Majesty is extremely sensitive about anything involving the Empress. He’d never allow it—not by ordinary means.”

“Not by ordinary means, huh?”

“Exactly.”

“Then…”

A dangerous smile crept onto Leonard’s lips.

“Maybe it’s possible through extraordinary ones.”

“Huh?”

Wait, what?

Conrad stared at him, baffled.

Leonard was quietly smiling to himself.

That smile sent a sudden chill down Conrad’s spine.

“…You just had a weird thought, didn’t you?”

“Of course not.”

“No, I’m pretty sure you did.”

“…”

“Captain!”

The day of the banquet arrived.

“Your Majesty will be the star of tonight’s gathering.”

The maids beamed with confidence.

“This is easily the best ensemble we’ve ever prepared.”

“It’s not about the clothes. You’re simply too beautiful, Your Majesty.”

“Absolutely! Just the right gown and jewelry, and you become a living masterpiece.”

The gown was a soft, blue-toned fabric adorned with white lace; the platinum accessories emphasized elegance.

Yes, the maids had excellent taste.

Just as they predicted, I became the center of attention the moment I entered.

“Oh my, Your Majesty!”

“You look absolutely radiant.”

“That mysterious necklace—where did you get it? It complements your fair skin so well.”

The moment I arrived, every gaze turned to me. I barely had time to breathe as people flocked to offer greetings.

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. I’m Emmett of House Selvinz.”

“And I am Louis of the Morfran family. It’s an honor.”

I exchanged greetings with a dizzying number of people; just maintaining eye contact and polite smiles was exhausting.

And when one after another leaned in to kiss the back of my hand, I shivered involuntarily.

Ugh, I’ll never get used to that.

It’s the kind of thing that looks romantic in movies or novels, but in real life? Not pleasant.

Maybe it’s just something I need to adjust to.

Just when I thought the greetings had settled down, a few noblewomen took seats beside me.

They launched into spirited gossip battles, each one eager to prove she was the most well-informed in society.

Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying it.

House A invested in a merchant guild and made a fortune; House B pulled off a clever scheme and reaped the rewards.

But the juiciest stories, of course, were about romance.

Wait—what? You saw him leaving the neighbor’s house?

An affair? With a maid?

What?! Someone took a secret lover?

Now this was real-life melodrama.

Before I knew it, I was hanging on every word.

Mm-hmm, very spicy. These society rumors had real bite.

Then—

“Come to think of it, I heard he was invited to this banquet too.”

“Who?”

“The new king of Calus.”

At that, another noblewoman clapped her hands.

“Oh my! The king of Calus—the one everyone’s talking about lately? Rumor has it he has blood-red hair.”

…Blood-red hair?

The man I saw yesterday immediately came to mind.

He said he was from Calus too.

No way, right?

There are so many hair colors in this world—blonde, pink, silver… it’s like a rainbow parade.

So surely red hair isn’t that rare, right?

“Still, it’s not exactly a common hair color. He’d be easy to spot anywhere.”

“Exactly. Though I suppose he hasn’t arrived yet.”

Maybe red hair was rarer than I thought.

Suddenly, I felt a cold sweat on my back.

I swallowed hard.

Who had I met yesterday?

“Speaking of the King of Calus, I heard something very interesting.”

“What kind of news?”

“He’s still single.”

“No way! How is that possible?”

“That’s why it’s so fascinating!”

“Isn’t Calus a martial country where the strongest royal becomes king? Maybe he’s too scary-looking.”

“On the contrary—they say his looks are even more impressive than his skills. So charming, anyone who sees him never forgets his face.”

“Then why…?”

“Word is he just can’t be bothered. No matter how much pressure he gets, he flatly refuses to marry.”

“Goodness. Still, doesn’t that sound like someone we know in our own Empire?”

“You’re right. Someone unforgettable—who also has no interest in women.”

Just then—

The noisy banquet hall fell into silence.

All eyes turned toward the entrance.

Jerome?

With that level of attention, I assumed it had to be the male lead of the original story.

But to my surprise, I was completely wrong.

The man who stepped forward, parting the crowd like waves, was a calm, composed beauty with sleek black hair falling just past his shoulders.