Chapter 53

To Edelis, Sir Frache was a good person. Besides, he was even Lehan’s friend. But in the book, his love did not come to fruition.

‘I… I hope Sir Frache can be happy too.’

She knew very well, through Lehan, what it felt like to be loved by the one you love. So wouldn’t it be best for everyone if the Saintess ended up with Sir Frache?

‘It’s not like the Saintess has already fallen deeply for Lehan or anything.’

In the book, it was still early in the story. Their relationship was still awkward. There was still a chance. And didn’t the Saintess herself say it? That a happy ending would come. This was, in Edelis’s opinion, the best possible happy ending. The reason she had felt uncomfortable with the Saintess was because the Saintess ended up with Lehan in the book. But if she and Sir Frache developed feelings for each other, wouldn’t that solve everything?

“Sir Frache!”

“Yes? I’d prefer if I just pretended not to notice…”

“Please come to my room later!”

“…….”

“…….”

An awkward silence fell. Edelis didn’t understand why it was so quiet—until she saw Lehan’s darkened expression and hurried to clarify.

“Oh—no, that’s not what I meant! I just have something I want to discuss with Sir Frache!”

But it didn’t clear up anything. The temperature around them dropped and showed no sign of rising.

“…Is this because I saw you two?”

“No, it’s not that!”

“Are you trying to eliminate the witness by saying such things in His Majesty’s presence…?”

“No! That’s not it!”

Edelis desperately denied it, but Sir Frache gave her a sad smile that seemed to say, ‘Alright, I’ll pretend to believe you.’ Sure, it was embarrassing to be caught—but planning to kill him over it was a stretch! Even if she could understand why he might be overly dramatic. Still, this was all a misunderstanding! She just wanted to match the Saintess with Sir Frache!

“You don’t need to provoke my jealousy any further. Just calling Johannes to your room is more than enough.”

“What are you misunderstanding?!”

Edelis, flustered, forgot to speak politely, dropping the honorifics she usually used in front of others. But she was too panicked to realize.

“What exactly do you wish to talk about in private?”

She couldn’t explain everything about the book, so she’d intended to talk quietly with Sir Frache. But the situation was spiraling. Edelis decided she should talk things through with Lehan first and persuade him to help. She didn’t want him to misunderstand. And it would be easier if she had his support. Pulling on Lehan’s hand, he leaned closer to her, and she whispered in his ear: “Sir Frache likes the Saintess.”

“Yes.”

“I think it would be nice if we helped them get together.”

“…….”

“You don’t like the idea?”

Edelis thought it was a good plan, but when Lehan stared at her intently, she started to doubt herself. Then Lehan smiled brightly, as if he had never been upset.

“It’s a good idea. A very good one.”

“Right?!”

Edelis beamed. If this worked, it would be perfect. And with Lehan’s help, the chances of success were even higher. In the book, the Emperor and the Saintess ended up together, meaning Sir Frache suffered heartbreak.

‘But this time!’

If the Saintess and Sir Frache got together, Edelis and Frache could both have a happy ending. In the book, only the Emperor and the Saintess were happy—but this time, all four of them could be.

“Then let’s not talk about this here. Let’s move.”

The Saintess was in Lehan’s office, and it wouldn’t do for her to overhear this conversation. They moved to a sitting room. As soon as they arrived, Edelis brought up the topic with Sir Frache, who had been dragged along without explanation.

“Sir Frache, you like the Saintess, right?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t even hesitate. His unwavering eyes made it clear that he had already fallen for her.

‘How can someone who loves this much end up heartbroken?!’

Edelis vowed to do everything she could to help.

“They say the Saintess might stay in the Empire.”

“I hope so too.”

“I’d love for you two to work out.”

Sir Frache looked slightly surprised by the unexpected support from the Empress. He probably hadn’t imagined their secret conversation was about his love life.

“…That would be nice, but.”

“If the two of you end up together, wouldn’t that give her more reason to stay?”

In the book, the Saintess stayed because she married the Emperor. But maybe she’d stay for Sir Frache too?

“I wouldn’t mind moving to the Holy Empire.”

“Then we’ll need to find a collateral heir for the Frache family. Maybe adopt a son-in-law.”

“Ah, not yet!”

“She could come here too, but we should prepare just in case. The Frache family is a ducal house that supports the imperial family.”

“She might stay, so let’s think about it slowly.”

“Hm, then Johannes will have to work really hard.”

“I will.”

Sir Frache clenched his fist. The Saintess had a lot—priests, followers, and status. Even if she stayed in the Empire, things would be very different from life in the Holy Empire. Here, people would see her more as a duchess than a saintess.

“Then let’s devise a strategy!”

“But, Your Majesty.”

“Yes?”

“Why are you helping me this much?”

Sir Frache asked, puzzled by the Empress’s sudden support.

“…I just want you to be with the one you love.”

“Is that enough reason to help?”

Edelis hesitated, then glanced at Lehan. When she saw his smile, she decided to speak a little more honestly.

“I hope the Saintess spends more time with you.”

“Why…?”

She hoped he’d understand with just that.

“I hope she spends less time with us.”

She didn’t like how the Saintess kept hanging around Lehan. She knew he loved her—but still! Sure, now it was work-related, but soon there’d be excuses to spend time together for personal reasons.

“I want to be alone with Lehan.”

“…You’re passionate.”

“We’re still newlyweds!”

Lehan blushed and turned his head slightly. He covered his mouth with his hand, but the smile tugging at his lips was unmistakable. Sir Frache, witnessing this, looked like he’d seen something scarring. Edelis also flushed with embarrassment, but she had to make herself clear.

“Then let’s really get to planning!”

***

Operation 1: Spend More Time Together.  

If someone you don’t know well suddenly confesses to you, it feels as strange as a talking tree doing the same. So it would be better to build rapport first and reveal feelings later. Of course, Sir Frache had already fallen for the Saintess due to their existing connection, but it still felt too early for a confession. Edelis couldn’t ask for the details—it was too personal—but from what she saw, that seemed to be the case.

‘What if he only answered because I asked? People in power should be careful with that sort of thing.’

So she decided to work with what she could observe. If it didn’t work out, she could ask Sir Frache later. But for now, she needed to show she genuinely wanted to help—and if this strategy failed, she’d think of something else. So, Edelis suggested that Sir Frache spend more time with the Saintess. People grow fond of those they see often, and Sir Frache was plenty charming. Even if the Saintess had stronger feelings for Lehan right now, that could change with time.

Edelis gathered her courage and invited the Saintess to a tea party. The Saintess still made her uncomfortable, but for Sir Frache’s sake, she would do it.

“I’m holding a tea party. Life in the palace must be dull—would you like to join?”

“Will His Majesty be there?”

“Of course. I’m the host.”

“No, I meant the Emperor.”

Edelis’s brow twitched. What’s with her asking for someone else’s husband? Still, she answered as agreed with Lehan.

“Yes. He’s busy, but he said he’d drop by briefly.”

“Then I’ll come.”

“Sir Frache will be there too.”

“All right.”

…Back when she left for the Holy Empire, she seemed close to Sir Frache. Why did she sound indifferent now? Had they grown apart? It wouldn’t be easy—but Edelis hadn’t expected instant results. She would try her best. Finally, on the day of the tea party, the Saintess arrived escorted by Sir Frache. He was all smiles, and Edelis liked what she saw.

‘Yes, one step at a time.’

If she didn’t like Sir Frache, she would’ve refused the escort!

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

“Please be seated.”

“Yes.”

Her voice was soft, like a spring breeze. But even though it was Sir Frache who pulled out her chair and escorted her, her gaze seemed to linger more on Lehan. Occasionally, she smiled and thanked Sir Frache, who seemed happy enough with that. But Edelis wasn’t satisfied with so little.

‘Them becoming lovers is the best possible ending! This won’t change anything otherwise!’

As maids served tea and sweets, conversation began to flow.

“How are you finding palace life?”

“It’s nice. Though I wish I could see His Majesty more often.”

“If it’s about official matters, it’s best to speak with the Chancellor.”

“What if it’s not official?”

The Saintess looked at him and smiled sweetly. Edelis felt herself boiling inside, but smiled just as brightly.

“If it’s something personal, perhaps Sir Frache would be a better conversation partner.”

And the hand-off to Sir Frache!

“…Sir Frache?”

The Saintess’s expression changed slightly—neither pleased nor displeased. Sir Frache, ever the sweet fool, just smiled kindly.

“Yes. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll help in every way.”

“But you must be busy.”

“I’m not nearly as busy as His Majesty.”

Of course, as a ducal heir and commander of the imperial knights, he was plenty busy. But less so than the Emperor.

“…Yes, I suppose so.”

“Then could you pay more attention to the Saintess, Sir Frache?”

“Understood.”

Perfect! This was perfect! The Saintess’s expression stiffened slightly, but Edelis didn’t care. It was much better than a married man tending to her.

“I’ll be counting on you, Sir Frache.”

Edelis smiled brightly, and Lehan nodded. Only the Saintess’s expression remained dim.

“Now that the plague is over, how about showing her around the capital? If that’s too soon, maybe just a tour of the palace.”

“Th-there’s no need for that!”

“It’s fine. I’ll guide her when she has time.”

“…What about Edelis’s escort…”

Ah, right. Sir Frache was her escort. But that wasn’t a topic to bring up now. Edelis feared the Saintess more than unknown assassins right now.

“It’s fine. I’ll be with Lehan.”

“Perfect.”

“…….”

“Then I’ll start by recommending the places Lehan and I visited together!”

As Edelis beamed, the Saintess’s face clouded.