I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 28.2
Adele, reclining upon her bed, promptly corrected her posture and sat upright upon learning of Lionel’s arrival, for she would not deign to receive a guest while in a recumbent position.
“Let them come,” she curtly commanded, facing the door, whereupon the maids dutifully swung it open.
The gusty wind, blowing in through the open windows, immediately directed itself toward the now-opened entrance, ushering in Lionel, who had appeared, neatly attired, in its embrace. Adelaide had said she would not be lying down, but she was not exactly sitting upright either. Rather, she was leaning comfortably upon a soft sofa, her demeanor casual yet striking, her enchanting smile curving her long, moon-like eyes, while her red lips arced alluringly, causing nearby maids to gasp.
The empress, greeting him with a bewitching smile and a tone as refreshing as an autumn breeze, beckoned Lionel forward.
“Come on. I’ve been awaiting your arrival, Lionel,” she said, her smile captivating the maids, who could only gawk in response.
Even Lionel, who knew full well of her amicable demeanor, found himself catching his breath in response to the warm, friendly tone that now pierced his ears. Bowing respectfully, he managed to compose himself.
“Your Majesty the Empress,” he said in a calm voice, before inquiring about refreshments. The maids, with great caution, asked whether they should provide them, to which Adele, glancing toward Lionel, replied nonchalantly, “I’ll have tea.”
The ladies-in-waiting bowed politely, then exited the room, their glances surreptitiously flitting between the two. Before long, wordless rumors would likely be spreading like wildfire.
Once alone, with only the two of them in the room, the empress crossed her arms and queried, “Does my informal manner discomfort you?”
Lionel, who had previously been instructed to speak in a more casual manner, responded with ease, “Do not worry; I am not ill at ease.”
Adele studied Lionel’s expression briefly, then relaxed her arms and continued, “It is refreshing to see that you, a member of the younger generation, are not uncomfortable in my presence.”
“Indeed, it is a relief,” Adele added.
At that moment, the maids entered cautiously, placing the refreshments on the table, then exiting just as quickly as they had come. Neither the empress nor Lionel paid any heed to the beautifully arranged snacks, however.
“Shall we converse a while?” asked the empress in her usual affectionate yet resolute tone, her words exquisitely blending two disparate elements. As their eyes met, Lionel found himself involuntarily averting his gaze, for the empress had always had a way of making his nerves tingle. Whenever he was in her presence, his senses would heighten, and his every nerve would be acutely attuned to her. Suppressing a sharp intake of breath, Lionel raised his gaze again. Fortunately, the empress was in the midst of lifting her teacup, affording him the opportunity to scrutinize her more closely. It had not been long since news had spread of the empress’s palace budget being slashed. Lionel had half-expected her to be incensed and indignant, yet she remained calm and composed. Nonetheless, she must have been seething inwardly, he thought. Tensing up once more, Lionel refused to let his guard down in the face of her seemingly insolent demeanor. Meanwhile, Adele, having lifted her own teacup, gazed intently at Lionel through the rising steam, her exquisitely beautiful face
“Lionel,” said the regal voice of Her Majesty.
“Yes, Your Highness,” responded Lionel, attentive to the Empress’s every word.
“Did Duke Baldr dispatch you to me?” Adele inquired with sudden interest.
“No, Your Majesty. I presented myself,” Lionel answered promptly.
Adele paused, momentarily taken aback by the terse response, before proceeding to ask further questions.
“You must have asked for the Duke’s approval,” she pressed.
Lionel hesitated to answer, causing Adele to amend her question.
“Regardless, if the Duke granted permission, it implies that your intentions and the Empress’ desires are aligned. Can I assume as much?”
Lionel replied with deference, “Yes, Your Majesty, you may.”
The Empress smiled with satisfaction, her gaze piercing into Lionel’s dark blue eyes. After taking a sip of her tea, she continued in a casual tone.
“My patience was wearing thin after three days of interviews.”
Lionel maintained his unwavering gaze on Adele’s face.
“Some candidates struggled to even split an apple during the interviews. But Mrs. Giggs mentioned one final applicant,” Adele recalled with a grin.
Lionel chuckled softly at the memory, causing Adele to ponder it aloud. “And then you appeared, so suddenly. But why am I telling you this?”
Lionel remained silent, awaiting the Empress’s next words.
“I am pleased with your appointment as my aide,” Adele announced, enunciating each word with purpose.
Her words struck Lionel deeply, causing him to stiffen.
“We shall be seeing more of each other, Lionel,” Adele declared.
Lionel’s delayed response earned a furrowed brow from Adele, who proceeded to explain herself. “I am not one to feign kindness or friendship easily.”
With a dramatic sigh, Adele added, “It would be rather embarrassing if rumors circulated that the Empress was pursuing Lionel Baldr unilaterally.”
Lionel relaxed in the lighthearted atmosphere, but for some reason, his mouth seemed to run dry. Adele caught his expression and offered a silent prompt, causing Lionel to gather his wits and reply with gratitude.
“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”
The Empress’s demeanor relaxed, and she grinned with satisfaction.
“Now, let us discuss the role you shall play in the Baldr family.”
