I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 34.2
The formidable mountain ranges and treacherous seas that once protected against foreign invasions were previously viewed as blessings from the divine. Otherwise, Ehmont would have endured the relentless encroachment of external powers. Upon the empress’s proclamation, Theseus and Lionel nodded solemnly. Her words held great weight—Ehmont had indeed transformed into a veritable hell, save for a few territories beyond the tower’s influence. Theseus straightened his posture and rose from his seat. It was heartening to witness the empress, without hesitation, describe the current state of affairs as a “hell.” Amidst a world where others refrained from acknowledging the true horrors, the brothers had endured immense suffering.
“You are right. The empire is currently nothing short of a living hell. We implore your assistance. We are in desperate need of help.”
The Empress and the Baldr brothers engaged in conversation, oblivious to the passage of time. Each held something the other needed, establishing a foundation of reliability in the present moment. This mutual understanding fostered a deepening trust, allowing them to maintain a serious demeanor throughout their discussion. The moon waned as they posed inquiries and exchanged answers, indicating the late hour. Eventually, when they rose from their seats, the butler discreetly entered and greeted Adele. Theseus proceeded to introduce the butler to her.
“I am the co-author’s butler. He will escort you to your room for some rest. Please do not hesitate to inform us of any inconveniences.”
With a respectful gesture, the butler extended his right hand and guided Adele, who offered a light farewell to Brother Baldr, proceeding alongside the butler.
“We have made all the necessary arrangements for your accommodation. However, are you truly comfortable without any attendants?”
“I appreciate your concern, but it is unnecessary. You have already done so much in such a short time. Thank you.”
“The honor is ours.”
Adele followed the butler, her gaze sweeping across the hallway. The interior was just as splendid as the exterior. Eventually, the butler halted in front of a magnificent door, politely opened it, and stepped aside.
“If you require anything, please pull the hanger beside the bed. I will be at your service immediately.”
“You have been most considerate.”
“May you have a peaceful night’s rest.”
As the butler departed, Adele let her eyes wander slowly around the room, finally settling on the bed. It exuded an air of opulence, its vibrant colors hinting at its weightiness. Adele rested her hand upon the bed, gradually easing herself into a reclined position. Nestled within the plush mattress, weariness washed over her, threatening to engulf her in slumber.
“Ah… When will this place ever feel like home…? Will that day ever come?”
Since departing from Gottrov, Adele felt as though she had embarked on an arduous and protracted journey. The strange unease and fatigue remained steadfast, refusing to dissipate.
“But even in Gottrov, I moved constantly, sleeping in different places. What sort of home was that?”
Adele shook her head and rubbed her eyes with her hands. Nonetheless, this was the first day she had experienced a sense of comfort since arriving here. It was a day that offered a conversation worthy of her abilities, at the very least. Rising from the bed, she stretched her limbs and made her way towards the bathroom. A sense of tranquility washed over Adele’s face as she noticed steam emanating from the hot water in the bathtub. Adele, often teetering on the edge of sleepiness, had been nagged anxiously by her caretaker about falling asleep in the bath. Yet, what if it was actually a peaceful respite? She was aware that sometimes people slept because they needed to sleep. Lost in these musings, Adele’s drowsy body gradually slipped beneath the surface of the water. If anyone had witnessed her, they would have startled her awake in alarm.
“Splash! Cough, cough!”
Adele awoke abruptly, her throat parched and gasping for air. Coughing violently, she stumbled out of the bathroom, wrapping a towel around her damp hair. Shivers ran down her spine as her cooled body reacted to the sudden change in temperature. Drinking copious amounts of water had disrupted her sleep, leaving her restless and unable to find respite. After meticulously drying her hair and slipping back into bed, Adele stared up at the ceiling, her eyes gleaming with frustration.
“Ah… I don’t think I’ll be able to fall asleep.”
After tossing and turning for a while, Adele finally surrendered to her restlessness and rose from her bed, grumbling after an hour of fruitless attempts at slumber.
“Moments like this call for a simple drink to induce sleep. Oh, how I wish I could summon someone else’s butler to bring me a beverage at this hour.”
Meanwhile, another sleepless soul roamed the co-author’s abode. Lionel took a deep breath, massaging his forehead with exhaustion evident on his face. Despite his weariness, sleep eluded him. After tossing and turning for several hours, he conceded defeat and rose from his bed. Deciding to occupy his restless mind with a book, he ambled toward the bookshelf, selecting a thick tome. However, his gaze was drawn to the terrace window as a soft glow permeated through the translucent curtains. Parting the curtains and peering outside, he confirmed the presence of a gentle light emanating from a particular room. It was the VIP room, currently occupied by the empress.
“Why are you still awake at this hour?”
At that moment, a faint silhouette graced the transparent edge of the curtain. Lionel furrowed his brow and gingerly opened the terrace window. A cool autumn breeze grazed the hem of his nightwear, but he paid it no mind. The slender figure remained in constant motion, seemingly aimless in its activities. Lionel couldn’t discern the exact nature of the figure’s actions, but it was evident that they were lingering.
“What could be the matter?”
Muttering under his breath, Lionel discreetly observed the guest room where the empress resided. The night was so quiet that even the autumn’s starlings had ceased their chirping. Suddenly, the shadow before him expanded in an instant, catching Lionel off guard as the terrace window flew open with a clap.
“!!”
It felt as if the darkness of the night itself was attempting to invade the room through the newly opened window. In that instant, a face as pale as moonlight breaking through the night, paired with enigmatic golden eyes that seemed to glow even in the darkness, materialized like a magical apparition. As the mysterious light scanned its surroundings, it met Lionel’s deep blue eyes, jolting him awake from his daze. Reacting swiftly, he swiftly stepped back into the room and attempted to close the door. However, before he could shut it completely, a faint voice reached Lionel’s ears from behind.
“Lionel!”
At the sound of the hushed plea, followed by a desperate cry, Lionel let out a deep sigh and tightly closed his eyes. Once again, the empress’ stifled anguish pierced through the air.
“Lion…el!”
