I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 1.2
Emperor Karl of the Ehmont Empire was in his office, listening to reports about the prospective empress. The servant had relayed the news that Princess Gottrov had safely crossed the sea and arrived at the port. The servant who had reported the details of the dowry sent from Gottrov withdrew and gave the emperor one final sealed document.
“This is a document pertaining to dowry details.”
The servant gulped as she looked at the emperor’s face. The emperor’s face is unbelievably beautiful, but devoid of any emotion. It gave her strange goosebumps. Emperor Karl ripped the envelope’s seal carefully, which contained a copy of the document. As he opened it, something fell on the desk.
It was a portrait of the empress-to-be. He set the letter he was holding down and picked up the portrait. A woman with black hair that cascaded beyond her shoulders like ebony was staring out of the photograph. Although it was only a portrait, her gaze was so intense that it felt as if it were real. He placed his elbows on the table and held her portrait closely, narrowing his eyes as he examined it. Isn’t it common for portraits sent to prospective husbands to be drawn with a gentle smile on their faces? The woman in the picture, on the other hand, tightened her crimson lips and made a strong expression. Her woman’s face was etched with the arrogance of someone who had everything from the moment she was born. Karl’s lips rose sharply.
His eyes became dark and gleaming. It would be preferable if she would come as a woman. Because he only intends a successor from the Empress, nothing more. He had no intention of granting the empress’s palace even a single power. So he risked crossing the sea to propose to the Princess of Trough. He chose people who had no ties to Ehmont. Karl returned the portrait in a cold manner. The servant, who was standing outside, knocked and announced a visitor. Karl’s face hardened as soon as he heard the visitor’s name.
“Diane’s maid?”
“Yes, your Majesty.”
Karl sighed and nodded, and the servant quickly let the maid inside who was waiting.
“What exactly is going on?”
Karl inquired before she could even say her greetings, and the maid quickly retrieved her business.
“Your Majesty, the Lady has requested assistance.”
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On the opposite side of the Ehmont Imperial Palace, a woman had been fussing about her troubles for several hours now. Her golden, wavy hair and pale, sky-blue eyes were a sight to behold. There were several sets of tiaras and ornaments in front of her, all of which were imperial family treasures owned by successive empresses. Despite the fact that she was standing in front of a rare treasure in a magnificent palace, her face was dark and troubled. How long has it been? There appeared to be a lot of noise outside, and someone unexpectedly opened the door and entered uninvited. Only two people in this imperial palace could open her door without her permission. Lady Diane Poitier quickly rose from her seat and turned to the guest with caution.
“Greetings, Grand Duchess.”
Grand Duchess Elizabeth was respectfully greeted by Diane, but her cold gaze was fixed on the royal treasure alone. The emperor’s sister, Elizabeth, returned her focus to Diane. Diane lowered her head, avoiding Elizabeth’s eyes, but she dared not turn around. The maids who were standing around the two exchanged glances before quietly exiting the room. Once the door clicked shut, Elizabeth took graceful strides around the room and sat down in Diane’s chair. Elizabeth spoke to Diane, who was cautiously fondling her fingertips over the treasures of the imperial family that glistened under the sunlight.
“Did his Majesty the Emperor retrieve the treasure?” Elizabeth asked.
“No, your Majesty,” replied Diane.
“Oh. It appears that you did not require anyone’s permission.”
Diane’s face was stoic in response to Elizabeth’s reprimand.
“I didn’t bring it in illegally, so don’t be concerned, Your Majesty.”
“You are the only concubine who directly decides on the Empress’s ceremonial crown. I’m afraid that if the Empire Gottrov finds out about this, a diplomatic protest document will be issued.”
Diane was focused on Elizabeth. Elizabeth only smiled as she sat back in her chair.
“Wouldn’t it be preferable to have a ceremony hall chosen by her sister-in-law rather than by his concubine?” Diane’s eyes widened and she blinked in response to Elizabeth’s words. Then, with a small chuckle, she burst out laughing. Diane quickly corrected her expression and responded amusingly.
“I apologize. I’m not sure if you’re eligible since you’re the only divorced woman in the Hana Empire.”
Elizabeth was angered by her remarks, making her leap out of her seat. Suddenly, the door flung open.
