I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 33.2
The brothers nodded at each other while looking at each other’s faces. In Echmont, they couldn’t figure out how to counter the Tower, so they sought information from other countries, but all their attempts had failed, resulting in the loss of a significant amount of money and manpower. And yet, the Empress, whom they thought would be at least a skilled individual, turned out to be a key figure in the Gottrov Tower Resistance Headquarters. Although they didn’t say it out loud, the same question arose in both of their minds. Why did such a person end up here? As Theseus pondered the Empress, a question came to mind that he wanted to ask his younger brother.
“Lionel.”
“Yes, brother?”
“Why does the Empress insist on being disrespectful to you?”
In response to his brother’s question, Lionel grimaced, seeming somewhat embarrassed.
“She said she has to appear different.”
It was a sufficient answer. Considering the effortless and natural demeanor of the two brothers, it was a significant outcome for minimal effort. Theseus nodded slowly.
“You’re performing the role of an advisor excellently.”
“Mother used to say that she wouldn’t be surprised if you had a backbone, but it seems your attitude changed when you found out that the Empress was the founder of the Gottrov Tower Resistance Headquarters.”
As Lionel chuckled and murmured, Theseus raised his eyebrows in an exaggerated manner.
“Well, if you’re going to do something, you might as well do it well. That’s what I mean.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes.”
Seeing his playful brother’s expression, Lionel laughed out loud, and even Theseus joined in with a smile.
****
It was at that moment when Diane was intensely examining her own face, with a skincare specialist called in.
“Your Highness, His Majesty has arrived!”
Startled by Lorraine’s urgent words, Diane quickly stood up from her seat and hurriedly wiped off her makeup with her fingertips. She swiftly removed her earrings and accessories, shoving them into a drawer, and hastily unfastened the jeweled brooch attached to her clothes, tossing it aside. The heart that had been wandering in a dark abyss soared to the gates of heaven at the mention of the Emperor’s arrival. She opened the door with a feeble appearance and saw the Emperor approaching her from the end of the corridor.
“Your Majesty.”
Diane called out to him in a fragile voice, lowering her head. She appeared delicate, as if she would break at any moment. Carl’s brisk steps slowed down. A bit more strength entered the Emperor’s rigid forehead.
“Your Majesty.”
Her face looked even more gaunt. She was becoming thinner. Her frail waist seemed like it could be wrapped with just one hand, and her lips were pale, devoid of any color. She even wondered if her slender neck could support the weight of her hair. She looked as if she were dying. The black sea within her chest surged once again. Afraid that she would drown in that turmoil, Karl pressed his eyes shut tightly and held his breath. He could no longer approach Diane and came to a stop. As he stood still, Diane approached him directly. Confirming the Emperor’s face, which was contorted in pain with closed eyes, it seemed as if her feet, which had become wounded from walking through a new hell, were healing.
A certain sense of exhilaration washed over her. Yes, he was angry. He felt sympathy for her treatment. How pitiful he must be. The Empress must be dissatisfied. Yes, he loves me. Diane cautiously nestled into Karl’s embrace, resting her face against his chest and placing her hand on top.
“Your Majesty.”
Karl, who had been struggling in the black sea, slowly opened his eyes. As his gaze descended like a creaking sound, he saw Diane’s soft blond hair, which had buried itself in his embrace.
“I’m fine.”
“….”
“I’m fine, Your Majesty.”
As he pondered those words, Karl remained silent for a moment and slowly pushed Diane’s shoulders back. She was pushed away, her soul seemingly absent, with wide-eyed astonishment. The Emperor then asked her.
“Did you send a merchant to the Empress’s Palace today?”
“….Pardon?”
“I asked if you sent a merchant to the Empress’s Palace today. They were supposed to negotiate the price of a thoroughbred horse, right?”
“Your Majesty?”
A chilling coldness ran down her spine, sending shivers through her entire body. Her hair stood on end, and her skin prickled with goosebumps. The emperor’s expression was nothing short of icy. He wasn’t concerned about Diane. He was interrogating her now. Why did she send a merchant to the Empress’s Palace? Diane desperately grabbed the Emperor’s hand and pleaded earnestly.
“Your Majesty, the Empress was not well. It’s border dispute day, Your Majesty. Do you remember the dress the Empress wore at the wedding reception? It was a wedding dress. You ruined a budget that wasn’t even significant. Then how exactly does the Empress buy jewelry and dresses?”
“….”
“I was foolish. But there was no other choice. If I had given her money, she would have been even more upset. Negotiating the price of a thoroughbred horse, you say. How dare I? I only informed the merchants of the amount you had instructed me to. It was the money you gave me. I’m sorry.”
Diane spoke tearfully and endlessly. She wasn’t telling lies. Karl slowly withdrew his hand from Diane’s grip and brushed her hair back. The long rays of the sun began to stretch through the window, enveloping Diane. Like the burning red tongue of the gatekeeper of hell, the setting sun flickered, as if ready to engulf Diane’s cheeks as she flew to the gates of heaven. Karl wiped away her tears.
“What is hell? Have you ever flown to the gates of heaven?”
The gatekeeper of hell whispered in Diane’s ear.
“Provoking the Empress will bring you no benefit.”
“….”
“All you need is my love.”
Diane, a moment too late, barely managed to respond.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Remember those words. As long as you remember those words, I will protect you.”
The Emperor took a step back, distancing himself from Diane. And then he gave the order to push her into the abyss.
“Empty Ivory Palace.”
