Chapter 51

“That can’t be…”

Distributing medicine throughout the entire Empire—just where could they possibly be manufacturing such massive quantities? Her mind momentarily went blank, but in truth, the answer was already clear. A massive influx of medicinal herbs into the Holy Empire, and now enough medicine to saturate the whole nation. She didn’t know how they had discovered the formula, but that wasn’t the important part right now.

“Summon the Saintess immediately.”

“The chamberlain has already gone, but I’ll send another attendant.”

“No. Actually, I’ll go to her myself.”

“Let’s go together.”

Lehan took Edelis’ hand, and they left the room. There were many things she wanted to ask the Saintess, but the most urgent matter had to be addressed first. What if other countries learned that medicine was being mass-distributed within the Empire? Especially now, when everyone was on edge about the disease.

‘They would invade, of course. To obtain the medicine.’

People with sick loved ones—or those who were ill themselves—would stop at nothing.

“His and Her Majesty the Emperor and Empress have arrived.”

The Saintess had been warned in advance by a servant who had rushed ahead of the imperial couple. She wore a composed expression, as if she had no idea why they were there.

“Thank you for accepting this sudden visit.”

“Not at all.”

“I’m sure you already know why we’re here.”

“No, what’s the matter? I was just about to go out to treat a patient…”

Indeed, this was about the treatment.

“How are you treating the patients?”

“…With ordinary medicine.”

“May I ask what combination of medicines you’re using?”

“I’m sorry. I can’t say.”

“Why not?”

“It was revealed through divine prophecy…”

Of all things, a divine oracle. Because she couldn’t interrogate the contents of a prophecy, Edelis could press no further. The Saintess smiled sweetly, but Edelis felt like her insides were burning.

Words spread faster than anything. It was entirely possible that other nations already had wind of the situation.

“I heard that a large quantity of medicine has been distributed within the Empire.”

“If you’re expressing thanks, there’s no need.”

“I do appreciate it, of course. But I’m curious how you managed to produce so much.”

“By chance, we found many of the ingredients within the Holy Empire.”

It sounded humble, but to Edelis, who already knew the temple had been hoarding herbs, the words didn’t sit well.

‘How did she find out? If she’d received a divine prophecy, she should’ve recognized the herbs when I mentioned them before.’

Was she pretending not to know? Why? The timing of the medicine distribution was also too convenient. The herbs had been hoarded days ago—meaning the prophecy must have come well before that. If the intention had been to help, the medicine should’ve been distributed long ago. The fact that it appeared in bulk all at once meant it had already been prepared beforehand. Yet, it was distributed precisely after Edelis, as Empress, administered medicine and demonstrated its effectiveness.

‘…Because they didn’t want the Imperial Family to gain power? Or was it just me they didn’t want?’

A headache began to pound behind her eyes. There was no guessing the Saintess’ motives. And this wasn’t the end of it.

‘In the book, the medicine’s formula wasn’t revealed until much later. So why has it already been created—and even distributed?’

Even if Edelis had altered the future, how could the formula exist for a disease that had only recently begun to spread? No way… A chilling recollection surfaced.

—“There were rumors that the cure was being made almost immediately after the disease began spreading, so… I wondered if the Empress might have had a hand in starting the epidemic.”

The Saintess knew the formula too. Which meant… it might not be Edelis who spread it—it could’ve been the Saintess. Or the Holy Empire.

‘No. There’s no proof.’

It was all circumstantial—no hard evidence. And something too dangerous to act on without it.

“How fortunate it is that you were able to supply the medicine, Saintess.”

“Oh, I’m just glad it helped His Majesty.”

Huh? Why is Lehan speaking now? The Saintess turned from her conversation with Edelis and suddenly smiled at Lehan.

“Yes, thank you. The Empire is indebted to you, Saintess.”

“No need to thank me. Helping those in need is our duty.”

“You’re very modest. Without the Holy Empire’s aid, the outcome might’ve been far worse.”

Wait a second… This conversation—it sounded familiar.

‘I’ve heard this before.’

If Edelis had heard this exact exchange between the Saintess and Lehan, it could only have come from one source: the book. The very scene unfolded before her—though the setting had changed from the Emperor’s drawing room to the Saintess’ parlor, the dialogue was identical, word for word.

‘So the future hasn’t changed?’

No. It has changed. The pattern of the epidemic’s spread is completely different. But that wasn’t the most pressing issue now.

“…Lehan, let’s inform the other countries about the formula right away.”

“Understood.”

She hadn’t planned to share it so soon. She wanted to confirm the effectiveness first and build a stockpile. But now, if other nations discovered the Empire had medicine in abundance, they would surely invade to take it. By sharing the formula, they might avoid war and enable other nations to handle it internally. Besides, thanks to the Holy Empire hoarding the herbs, other countries wouldn’t be able to source the ingredients easily either.

“Saintess, I’m sure you’re tired from your stay. Please get some rest.”

“…Pardon?”

The Saintess widened her eyes in surprise, but Lehan took Edelis by the hand, preparing to leave.

“We’ll give our formal thanks soon.”

“But even if the immediate crisis is over, what comes next is more important!”

“Indeed. Many lives were lost, so it’s sure to have lasting impact. Thank you for your concern.”

This was like the book—yet also different. In the book, Lehan had asked the Saintess for help. But now, it didn’t seem that way at all.

“I’ll help.”

“Your help this time was more than enough. Fortunately, the Empress and others were already researching the disease.”

“Still, no one else has as much information on this as the Holy Empire.”

“More than the Academy?”

“Yes.”

Lehan hesitated. The Holy Empire, with all its medical missions, would certainly be helpful. But the reason for his pause was clear—Edelis. He knew she’d feel uncomfortable. He had seen the tension between her and the Saintess.

“Thank you, Saintess. I’ll count on your support,” Edelis said instead, stepping in for the conflicted Lehan.

The Saintess seemed slightly surprised but soon smiled brightly.

“Of course. Then, Your Majesty, shall we discuss what to do next?”

“You must be tired. We can do that later—I need to contact neighboring nations first.”

“I don’t mind waiting while you handle that.”

“….”

With every word, the Saintess edged closer to Lehan. So close now that Edelis couldn’t help but feel extremely uncomfortable.

‘Isn’t she getting too close under the guise of her position?’

Edelis’ expression grew darker. Lehan, noticing this, took a step back and moved beside Edelis.

“Thank you for your patience. Let’s head to my office.”

“Yes!”

The Saintess nodded brightly, but Edelis felt a tightening in her chest. And then, seeing Lehan’s smirk—clearly aware of her jealousy—only made it worse.

‘Is it okay for me to stay next to them while they talk? Normally he says I can sit beside him while he works…’

Edelis poked at Lehan’s arm.

“What is it?”

“Come here a second.”

Lehan leaned closer with a teasing grin.

“Don’t get too close to the Saintess.”

“Why?”

“…”

‘Because I’m scared you’ll fall for her and cast me aside like in the book.’

But she couldn’t just say that outright.

“Are you… jealous?”

“Jealous?! No way!”

She couldn’t even raise her voice properly for fear the Saintess might hear. Jealousy? Ridiculous!

“Oh? I thought so. I was starting to enjoy that idea.”

Even though she feared being abandoned like in the book, even though she feared he’d fall for the Saintess—wait, was that… jealousy?

“…Does it make you happy if I get jealous?”

“Of course. Naturally.”

Come to think of it, back when she’d staged that grand divorce plan, he had clearly loved her jealousy and possessiveness. Then maybe… maybe just this once, she could be brave.

“I am jealous. So don’t get too close to the Saintess.”

“Yes.”

“You’re mine. Remember?”

Those words—ones she’d said long ago, before he left the count’s estate. Lehan’s smile only deepened with every word.

“Of course. Naturally.”

When they finally reached the Emperor’s office, Edelis drove the final nail.

“I like you. So I want you to like only me.”

With a light sigh of delight, Lehan opened the office door and nudged her inside.

“Just a moment.”

And after stepping in behind her, he closed the door.

The Saintess stared in disbelief at the now-closed door. She raised her hand to knock, but a capable chamberlain blocked her.

“His Majesty asked that you wait.”

Meanwhile, inside the room, Lehan stole Edelis’ breath with a deep kiss.

“L-Lehan!”

But he was too busy quenching his thirst to respond. Breathless, Edelis pounded on his chest in protest.

“W-We need to contact the neighboring countries!”

“Just a bit longer.”

“What if they start a war to get the medicine!”

“Tch.”

Lehan clicked his tongue, reluctantly pulling back and scribbling down the medicine’s formula from Edelis’ notes. If war broke out and he had to go to the front lines, Edelis would worry. Then again, maybe he could send Pasis to the war zone instead. He’d protected Edelis before—what better excuse to quietly remove him?

“Happy now?”

“Yes. Then let’s call in the Saintess.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Lehan set his pen down and stood. His intense gaze pinned Edelis in place. He didn’t move until he was in front of her, cradling her face, forcing her to meet his eyes.

“But she’s waiting outside.”

“She said she could wait.”

“Well, yes, but that was only while we contacted the other countries.”

“You say you want to have me all to yourself—and now you’re pushing me to talk to another woman?”

“D-Don’t call it ‘having all to myself’! It’s not like I didn’t think that, but…”

Her face turned red, and Lehan didn’t bother wiping away the lipstick now smudged at the corner of his mouth.

“If the Saintess finds out what we were doing in here, what will she think?!”

“I don’t care if she knows exactly what we were doing.”

P-Please don’t emphasize it like that…