I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 29.1
“Can I speak first, Your Grace?” Lionel inquired, seeking permission to speak.
The empress responded with a serene nod, her countenance inviting him to proceed. At first glance, one might assume that they were engaged in an intimate conversation between close friends or lovers. However, the empress’s cold, golden eyes remained unyielding, never once relinquishing their piercing gaze since Lionel’s arrival. Lionel carefully arranged his thoughts, meticulously organizing the words in his mind before parting his lips to address the empress.
He presented a concise yet comprehensive account of the current state of affairs in Ehmont, outlining the challenges faced by the Baldr family and the impending crisis they encountered. Lionel artfully articulated their desire to join forces with the empress, offering a hand in tackling these issues. Mindful of potential pitfalls, he skillfully avoided mentioning sensitive matters that could later ensnare him. The empress absorbed Lionel’s words with unwavering attention, interjecting queries whenever doubts arose. Like a diligent pupil, she diligently reviewed and internalized the information conveyed. As the empress contemplated her response in silence, Lionel sipped his tea, trying to quell the unforeseen nerves that had parched his throat.
“Please partake in this,” the empress abruptly interjected, pushing a tray of delectable refreshments toward him. “It is the epitome of culinary delights in Ehmont.”
Lionel paused for a moment, taken aback by the unexpected gesture.
“…,” he started to speak but faltered, uncertain how to respond.
“If you have no appetite, you needn’t indulge,” the empress stated matter-of-factly, her tone indifferent.
“It is unnecessary to go to such lengths, Your Majesty,” Lionel replied, his voice filled with gratitude.
“What purpose does a tray of refreshments serve if not to be offered?” the empress mused, a hint of nostalgia coloring her words. “I, too, once found solace in such gestures.”
This had never occurred during Lionel’s previous visits. Mrs. Giggs, always poised and diligent, seemed to avoid sitting with the empress, almost as if she were unworthy. The other ladies-in-waiting appeared to be mere shadows, pale imitations of Diane Poitiers. The empress shrugged her shoulders, plucked one of the refreshments from the tray, and savored it audibly. After gracefully swallowing, she sipped her tea, lips pursed, before continuing in a gentle tone.
“In any case, do you want me to attract some of the concentrated power wielded by the court magicians?”
“Ultimately, yes. Furthermore, I hope for a change in the current oppositional approach to the Tower. In Ehmont, the Mage Guild monopolizes and withholds all information regarding the Tower.”
“Then the tower becomes power.”
That was what her mother had desired.
‘The Tower is an opportunity! A golden opportunity to wield divine authority instead of imperial authority! If I can use this power wisely, can I not become an emperor? No, the entire royal family can become gods.’
“They monopolize and withhold information and even dictate the necessary structures according to their own whims. It is not surprising that the magicians possess the power of life and death.”
“What does Your Majesty the Empress seek from me?” Lionel inquired, his voice laced with anticipation.
Adele bestowed a gentle smile on Lionel, her eyes shimmering with a hint of mischief. “Didn’t you already divulge the answer to that query on the very day you graced us with your presence for the interview?” Her voice danced with a playful cadence, adding a touch of intrigue to their conversation.
Lionel’s gaze met hers, unwavering and resolute. “Indeed, I did,” he replied, his tone carrying a subtle air of confidence.
Adele’s smile widened, a glimmer of satisfaction illuminating her features.
“Then do not falter, for I have chosen you,” she reminded him, her voice tinged with expectation.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Lionel responded, his words infused with unwavering determination. “You shall not be disappointed.”
Adele’s countenance beamed with contentment, knowing she had made the right decision. “Fortunately, our immediate objectives align harmoniously,” she began, her voice growing more animated.
“In due course, I shall employ my prowess as a mage to establish a formidable position within Ehmont’s political realm. I implore you to cooperate until that time arrives.”
Suddenly, the empress’ demeanor shifted, her previously relaxed composure giving way to a more solemn aura. Her eyes narrowed, and a subtle tilt of her head signaled Mrs. Giggs, who stood poised outside the room with her arms crossed.
“Did you summon me, Your Majesty?” Mrs. Giggs inquired, her voice laced with deference.
“Yes, Mrs. Giggs, please bring forth the documents you presented during your previous visit,” the empress commanded, her tone carrying an air of authority.
Although the request was somewhat vague, Mrs. Giggs nodded obediently, refraining from further inquiry. Lionel, seizing the opportunity, fixed his gaze upon the empress and Mrs. Giggs interchangeably, his eyes narrowing with a shrewd intensity.
“Are you intending to address the cancellation of the supplementary budget for the Empress Palace?” he inquired, his voice tinged with a touch of intrigue. “Even if it wasn’t your intention, I would have broached the subject nonetheless. Rest assured, I shall lodge a formal objection directly with His Majesty the Emperor, on behalf of House Baldr and Your Majesty, the Empress.”
Adele’s expression brimmed with satisfaction, her approval evident in the subtle nod of her head. Revenge, an ever-enticing notion, lingered in the depths of her thoughts.
“That, among all the words I have heard yesterday and today, is my most cherished,” she confessed, her voice a melodic whisper.
As the empress reveled in her newfound contentment, an idea began to take shape within her mind. She mused about revenge, but where could one find a suitable outlet for such gentlemanly protests? After all, he had slighted her with his cunning words—should she not respond in kind?
He had an urge to unleash a torrent of bitter slang, but Adele restrained herself, mindful of her newfound position as half empress. With the collapse of the budget supplement, she lacked the authority to undertake any ventures requiring financial resources.
“Excellent. The noble families have voiced their formal protest. Now, it is time for me to take matters into my own hands,” she contemplated.
In a flash, Mrs. Giggs returned with remarkable speed, presenting the papers before Adele. With a satisfied expression, Adele perused them and then passed them to Lionel. Lionel swiftly skimmed the contents with his discerning eyes.
“Do you perceive the course of action I am about to embark upon?” Adele inquired, her voice carrying a subdued tone of curiosity.
Lionel, placing the paper on the table, looked up and replied calmly, “You are aiming to ignite the flames.”
At the aide’s swift response, a mischievous grin crept across the visage of the enchantress from Gottrov.
“Exactly,” she affirmed, her laughter resonating throughout the room.
She hadn’t intended to go this far, as if getting slapped in the Imperial Palace and venting her anger at the Ivory Palace. But now that they were joining forces and overturning the tables, there was no longer any reason to distinguish between the two.
