Episode 74

Chapter 74: A Marriage of Empty Shells

“Are you saying… there are those who conspire against you?”

Having found an empty room, I relayed to Leonard what I’d overheard inside the closet.

He listened intently, and as I explained their plan, his gaze hardened with a chilling resolve.

“So, there are those who target Your Majesty the Empress.”

Suddenly, the air around us felt icy cold.

A shiver ran down my spine, involuntarily trembling.

“Ah, forgive me,” Leonard quickly apologized.

At that moment, the atmosphere shifted as if by magic.

What was that just now?

It felt like he had changed.

“Sounds like these assassins we encountered on the way to the Calus Kingdom might be connected to this, too.”

I nodded slowly.

“That seems likely.”

“Do you have any idea who they might be?”

“…Not at all.”

Regrettably, I knew nothing.

I’d never seen the red-haired woman, nor met the man whose face I hadn’t even glimpsed.

Being threatened by strangers…

It was so unexpected that I felt more stunned than afraid.

In the original story, it was the imperial concubine, not me, who was ambushed.

And the mastermind behind that was usually the Empress—me.

Yet now, strangely, someone was trying to kill me instead.

An attempt on Empress Helena’s life had never once occurred in the original tale…

No, that’s not quite true.

There had been an incident.

Though it escaped me at first due to the urgency of recent events, I recalled it now.

Shortly after the founding ceremony, the Empress had claimed to have been ambushed.

She desperately pleaded the Emperor to increase her guards.

At that time, however, the Empress had done many cruel things to the imperial concubine and often staged dramas to win the Emperor’s attention.

Naturally, the ambush claim was dismissed as another of her schemes.

But… what if it wasn’t a coincidence?

Perhaps the Empress truly was targeted.

What came of that, exactly?

I couldn’t remember clearly, but though Jerome suspected the Empress was fabricating the story, he still assigned her considerable protection.

Whether it was a genuine attack or her fabrication, one thing is certain—someone is now aiming for me.

“What should we do about this?”

Leonard, who had been deep in thought, answered.

“Even without concrete proof, we must increase your security immediately.”

“…That seems wise.”

To increase my protection, I’d need to meet with Jerome.

But whether he’d agree was uncertain.

He might think I was merely acting for attention.

Likely so.

That’s how it was in the original story.

“Then, shall we meet Jerome first?”

After finishing our talk, I opened the door and stepped out.

Leonard immediately summoned the knights.

Watching him quietly issue orders, it was clear he commanded a search for those matching the description I’d given.

Soon, the castle gates would be tightened, and entry and exit strictly controlled.

Still, the event would likely continue uninterrupted.

If anyone sensed the unusual tension, they might slip away, blending into the confused nobility.

I had a bad feeling catching them wouldn’t be easy.

Especially since today was a masked ball.

While Leonard directed the knights, I glanced around.

The founding ceremony continued as usual in the palace.

Despite my anxiety, nobles remained engrossed in their treasure hunt.

Among them, a striking flash of pink hair caught my eye.

A woman in a pristine white rabbit mask, dressed in an elegant yet simple gown.

Though not extravagantly adorned, she inexplicably drew everyone’s gaze.

Fay.

The imperial concubine Fay.

It wasn’t strange she was here—this was her event.

Yet she looked around, searching for something.

Had she lost something?

“The Imperial Concubine.”

I wasn’t the only one who noticed her.

“Your observation is keen, Sir Leonard.”

He shook his head.

“Anyone would notice her.”

I soon understood why.

Around Fay stood a dozen heavily armed knights in tight formation.

Their formidable guard caused the surrounding nobles to step back in awkward surprise.

In the novel, this was just a funny scene—an Emperor fussing over the concubine, smothering her with protection, making things difficult for her.

I used to smile at the sight of her genuine innocence, misunderstood by those around her.

But seeing it firsthand, it was less amusing and more a nuisance.

No wonder no one could approach her freely.

Maybe that was one reason she was shunned by the nobility in the story.

Yet even so, she commanded attention like a true heroine.

I glanced at Leonard.

Was he looking at the concubine, too?

Perhaps so—the heroine always drew eyes.

Yet his expression was indifferent, even slightly annoyed.

“Imperial Concubine approaches.”

At Leonard’s voice, I turned my head.

Like me, she had recognized me.

“Your Majesty the Empress.”

The heroine Fay approached.

I greeted her with a slight nod.

“Imperial Concubine.”

“And this must be Sir Leonard? I didn’t expect to meet you both here.”

Fay covered her mouth with one hand, eyes sparkling.

That meaningful glance…

“He’s been assigned to guard me today.”

“Ah, right. I had completely forgotten.”

She clapped her hands in sudden realization.

I sighed inwardly at her naive charm.

When reading the novel, I’d found her innocence endearing, frustrated that no one recognized it.

But now that I was the villainous Helena, I found it less charming.

“I saw the ice palace you built. It was truly magnificent and beautiful.”

Fay spoke genuinely, clearly impressed.

I shot Leonard a sideways glance.

Actually, it wasn’t my work—but that of the overly competent person beside me.

Fay then let her shoulders slump a little.

“Compared to that, mine’s a mess. When the Emperor asked me to take charge here, I wish I hadn’t. I’m so embarrassed I just want to hide.”

Her pitiful tone made anyone want to comfort her.

But not me.

If I weren’t the Empress—or unaware of her true feelings—I might have.

“Your water garden was wonderful, too. I could feel your sincerity in easing the people’s suffering.”

“I’ve only heard rumors that I wasted the water the Empress painstakingly secured.”

“Don’t mind the idle gossip. But you seem to be searching for something—are you looking for His Majesty the Emperor?”

I had planned to find Jerome anyway.

I needed to tell him what I heard in the closet, no matter if he dismissed me.

“His Majesty?”

Fay looked momentarily surprised.

I assumed she was seeking Jerome, but apparently not.

“I was going to meet him, but I have other business now.”

“I see.”

“Ah! I’m sorry for interrupting you both so rudely.”

Fay’s eyes gleamed as she looked between Leonard and me.

For some reason, she stepped closer and whispered.

“I’ve wanted to say this for a while—I’m rooting for both of you. I even support the idea of divorce.”

“…?”

“Honestly, it’s been weighing on me. A loveless marriage is such a sad thing.”

She lowered her gaze, mournful.

“A marriage of empty shells.”

She meant my marriage to Jerome.

Clasping her hands together, she smiled brightly.

“But now, I’m truly relieved. You’ve found someone you love, Your Majesty.”

Ha.

I let out a bitter laugh.

Look at her. Can you believe it?