Chapter 54

Edelis had once recommended places she and Lehan had visited and enjoyed, and she had also passed on recommendations she heard from other noble ladies or maids to Lord Frache. While Lord Frache went a few times with the Saint to the bustling districts within the capital, things were peaceful. But not long after, rumors began to spread like wildfire within high society.

“They say the Saintess is deeply involved with Lord Frache!”

“I heard they’re getting married?”

“After the wedding, she’ll move into the Duke’s estate!”

Although they had only been seen together a few times, the rumors quickly spread. Edelis was pleased, thinking that Lord Frache was doing well. But there was one thing she hadn’t expected.

“…Your Majesty, I was rejected.”

“Rejected? What do you mean?”

“She said she doesn’t want to get involved in any more scandals and asked to keep her distance.”

“…”

Edelis was so surprised she couldn’t close her mouth. The Saintess called it a scandal when it involved an unmarried man but had been so forward with a married Emperor?

‘But she clearly seemed interested in Lord Frache too.’

In the novel, she had been the heroine who received love from both the male lead and the second male lead. Was Lord Frache’s affection just one-sided in this case?

“But…”

“But what?!”

“She did give one condition.”

“A condition?”

“She said she’d be willing to meet if others were present.”

“Isn’t that fine, then?”

“But she also said she doesn’t like meeting strangers, so I don’t know what to do.”

After hearing that, Edelis immediately caught on. The Saintess was politely turning Lord Frache down. It was because she didn’t know many people in the empire. Meeting with believers wouldn’t count, since that would be just a worship session. Although she exchanged letters with a few noble ladies she met at a past banquet, she wouldn’t meet them in person.

‘Because that would only further confirm the romantic rumor with Lord Frache.’

And excluding the believers and those casual acquaintances, there was only one person the Saintess could consider familiar.

‘Me.’

And of course, the Saintess would want to see Lehan.

“What should I do…”

“Indeed…”

No, not Lord Frache. Edelis nearly laughed at Lord Frache’s unintended answer. If they met with Lehan, she worried the Saintess might flirt with him. But if they met without him, the Saintess would still ask about him.

‘In the end, it’ll be the four of us meeting. Ugh, I don’t like that.’

She pictured the four of them meeting together. Those awkward encounters that were always uncomfortable, yet Lehan always helped her. Lehan’s face repeatedly came to mind—his smiles only for her, his desperate displays of affection.

“Ah!”

“What is it?”

“Since the Saintess doesn’t feel uncomfortable around me, tell her I’ll join the meeting.”

“Are you sure that’s okay?”

“Of course! I said I’d help, so I have to take responsibility!”

“Understood!”

Lord Frache answered enthusiastically.

‘Yes, perfect. A new plan begins!’

<Plan 2. Make her give up on Lehan.>

If the Saintess had feelings for Lehan, it would be difficult for Lord Frache to get close. But if she gave up on Lehan, perhaps Lord Frache could console her and grow closer to her?

‘There’s potential!’

Of course, Lehan was the Emperor and could have many concubines. Someone like the Saintess would be well-suited to be Empress. But Edelis didn’t like the idea of Lehan changing because of a concubine, and it was even worse to think of always running into the Saintess and feeling anxious.

‘The story has changed. I don’t want to live in fear, thinking my death is just delayed.’

It was a matter of life and death, so she had to be cautious. Keeping the Saintess at a distance was the best. Edelis, wasting no time, went to find Lehan with her guards after Lord Frache left to see the Saintess.

“Lehan, I have something to discuss.”

“What is it?”

“Um… that thing you said you wouldn’t mind the Saintess knowing about. Does that still apply?”

“Pardon?”

Lehan froze for a moment but soon realized what Edelis was referring to and nodded.

“I said I don’t mind if all the citizens of the empire know.”

“No, no! That’s too much!”

She hurriedly denied it, afraid that Lehan would actually make such a bold proclamation. It was enough if only the Saintess knew. She didn’t want even more of the palace maids looking at her with knowing smiles—she was already embarrassed enough.

“Well, I think I’ll be having a tea time with the Saintess and Lord Frache. Can you join us?”

“Yes.”

“You’re not even asking when it is?”

“It doesn’t matter when.”

Edelis gave a small smile. She considered teasing him by asking if it was because of the Saintess, but refrained—Lehan had shown her nothing but steadfast devotion.

“If I act strange during the tea time, please understand.”

“Nothing you do will seem strange.”

“Hmm, then how about if I act differently than usual?”

“Understood.”

Lehan nodded and promised her. But at that moment, he had no idea what kind of “strange behavior” she meant.

The day of reckoning arrived.

Edelis, nervous, was on her way to the tea time with Lehan escorting her. Normally she would lightly link arms with him, but not today.

“Is this the different behavior you mentioned?”

“…Do you not like it?”

Edelis had reached out and entwined her fingers with his, holding his hand tightly. Not only that, she was sticking close to him instead of keeping a polite distance.

“Are we doing this every day now?”

“Maybe?”

“Let’s do it. Every day.”

“Should we?”

It was a bit embarrassing, but seeing how happy it made Lehan, she thought it might be okay. Lately, she had been showing more affection while trying to keep the Saintess in check, and Lehan seemed to love it.

‘So this is why people use the jealousy tactic.’

As they smiled at each other, they felt someone’s gaze and turned. There were the Saintess and Lord Frache, watching them. They had been chatting happily, but now they were acting like nothing had happened.

“Your Majesty, welcome.”

“Did we keep you waiting?”

“Not at all. We were having such a pleasant conversation that time flew.”

“Then maybe we should’ve come later. Hope we didn’t interrupt anything.”

“No, not at all!”

“That’s good.”

Edelis smiled and sat down with Lehan. But they didn’t let go of each other’s hands. Lehan even moved his chair to sit right beside her.

“You seem to be very close,” said Lord Frache.

“Hehe.”

Encouraged by his words, Edelis leaned her head on Lehan’s shoulder.

“Are you tired?”

“No, I’m okay.”

“Tell me if you are.”

“I will.”

She wasn’t tired, just not used to leaning on him like this. She usually kept proper posture, so he must have misunderstood.

“I heard you and the Saintess have been spending pleasant time together recently.”

“Yes.”

“Th-That’s…!”

The Saintess seemed about to object while glancing at Lehan, but then looked at Lord Frache and fell silent.

‘What’s this?’

Still, since Lord Frache liked the Saintess, supporting them felt right.

“It’s been a long time since I visited the bustling streets. It was refreshing.”

“I haven’t been in a while either. I used to go often.”

“Would you like to go again?”

“I’d like to, when there’s time. But right now…”

She couldn’t say it easily with the ongoing threat of attackers. Still, she had fond memories of visiting the markets with Lehan.

“Let’s go.”

“But it’s not safe right now.”

“It’s fine. We’ll make preparations.”

“…Is it really okay?”

“Yes. It is.”

Lehan gave a subtle look to Lord Frache, who quickly agreed.

“It should be fine, Your Majesty.”

“Then I’d like to visit the night market too.”

“Understood.”

As long as they went quietly with only guards, it might be fine. It had been a while since she went out, and it was exciting to think about.

“Saintess, where did you like best?”

“…I liked it all.”

“Then it must’ve been worth it for Lord Frache.”

She continued gently nudging the Saintess and Lord Frache together. He wasn’t lacking in any way—status, appearance, or personality.

‘As expected of the second male lead!’

Still, Edelis was happiest with Lehan—the main lead.

“You seem pleased. Something good happen?”

“Yes.”

Lehan looked at her with eyes full of love, and Edelis took the chance. She placed her free hand gently over the back of his.

“I just enjoy being like this.”

“…”

“What about you, Lehan?”

“I want to go inside right now.”

“…You don’t like it?”

That wasn’t part of the plan. She thought he’d be happy, but now things were getting awkward. Edelis looked visibly disappointed.

“It’s because I want to be alone with you.”

“But still.”

Edelis was satisfied with his answer. She hoped the Saintess would give up after seeing how close they were. She glanced at the Saintess, and Lord Frache spoke up.

“You two are very affectionate. All that’s left now is an heir, and the nobles will quiet down.”

“An heir?!”

“It would bring stability to the empire.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Don’t worry, Johannes. We’ll try. Won’t we?”

“…”

“Edel?”

“…Yes. We’ll try.”

Edelis’s face turned red while Lehan covered his mouth, chuckling.

‘He said that on purpose to tease me.’

Realizing she had been teased, Edelis didn’t want to lose.

“When should we start trying?”

“…As soon as possible?”

Lehan’s gaze shifted. Something felt wrong, but—hey, the Saintess and Lord Frache were right here. What could possibly happen?

“I don’t really know how to try.”

“The will to try is enough.”

“Hmm…”

Lehan’s grip tightened slightly.

‘Wait… why does this feel like I lost control when he started this?’