I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 35.1
Lionel sighed softly, biting his lip, as he glanced down at his attire. Hastily donning his coat, he stepped out onto the terrace, where the Empress awaited him, her gaze fixed upon him as if she had been waiting. Lionel performed a respectful bow as a gesture of greeting. Finally, he raised his head, awaiting the Empress’s next words. Surely she had summoned him with something to say. And as expected, after taking a deep breath, the Empress leaned closer, her lips forming a whisper.
“Alcohol. Where is it? Do you know?”
“…”
Missing the timing to respond, Lionel saw the Empress lean against the railing, her upper body leaning toward him, her voice growing louder.
“Alcohol! Where is it? Tell me!”
****
“Why weren’t you asleep at this hour?”
One would think it was a question for someone who hadn’t been sleeping either. Walking side by side in the dim corridor, Adele and Lionel exchanged words.
“But why suddenly ask about alcohol?”
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“Dependence on alcohol is not good.”
“It’s not always like that. Only on nights when I can’t sleep.”
Upon Adele’s request to be informed about the whereabouts of alcohol, Lionel replied, “Please wait a moment,” before he went to find the room where she was staying. Lionel suggested bringing her the alcohol, but Adele preferred to be taken to where the alcohol was instead. She reasoned that if an unfamiliar bottle of alcohol appeared out of nowhere, the servants would find it suspicious. It was a strangely plausible reason, so Lionel hesitated for a moment before leading the way, and the Empress followed him with a very satisfied expression.
Lionel guided her to the family room on the fifth floor of the main residence. It used to be a space frequently used by the Duke and Duchess when they were alive, but now that they had passed away, only the two brothers remained, and they only used it occasionally when they drank together. Lionel asked for her understanding for a moment and began to light the lamps scattered throughout the family room.
“Oh, just enough light will do. Just bring out the alcohol. I’ll handle it and tidy up before returning to my room.”
Unlike the imposing and majestic corridor, the interior of the family room looked cozy even in the dimness. While Adele stood silently on one side, slowly surveying the room, Lionel approached the display cabinet to choose a suitable bottle of alcohol to offer to the Empress.
“What kind of alcohol would you like?”
“Hmm… Moonshine.”
The Empress sought out a strong and bitter liquor.
“No need for diluted ice or water. Just give it to me. No need for snacks either.”
As Lionel took out the bottle of moonshine, he frowned and turned to look at the Empress.
“Your Majesty, this is quite potent.”
“It’s fine.”
“You might get sick.”
“I said it’s fine, Lionel. I’ve had it before.”
“You usually dilute this alcohol before consuming it.”
“Oh, that’s right. You’re not one to mince words, my advisor. Just bring it.”
“…”
At the Empress’s insistence, Lionel reluctantly brought a bottle of alcohol and a glass, lowering his head slightly. As he placed them on the table, Adele, who had been pacing around, took a seat on the sofa. Then, one step ahead of Lionel, she deftly opened the bottle’s cap. Inhaling the scent of the alcohol deeply, the Empress smiled with great satisfaction as she looked up at Lionel.
“Very well.”
Lionel omitted the rest of his sentence, which would have been fitting for someone with a penchant for diluting good liquor. He sighed softly, seemingly filled with unease, and took a seat across from Adele as he poured alcohol into his glass. Adele, who had been admiring the shimmering amber-colored liquor with gleaming eyes, raised her glass as he sat down and let out a long laugh.
“Do you want to sit next to me? That’s fine too. Shall we have a drink together?”
“No, thank you. I’m fine.”
“Is that so? Then drink alone, I suppose. Well, here’s to our successful collaboration.”
The Empress lifted her glass, gesturing slightly as if toasting. Without hesitation, she downed the contents in one gulp. Unbeknownst to himself, Lionel furrowed his brow. It must be incredibly strong and bitter. Adele, after savoring the burning sensation in her throat, exhaled a short breath.
“Ah, excellent.”
It was delightful, feeling the warmth rushing through her throat as if she had swallowed fire, and the immediate surge of intoxication after consuming the liquor. After enjoying the intoxication for a moment, Adele opened her eyes again and poured another glass of alcohol into her empty glass.
“Do you intend to drink in succession?”
“Oh, that’s right. You’re someone who doesn’t understand the pleasure of alcohol.”
Even though the Empress narrowed her eyes and gave a warning glance, the advisor didn’t bat an eyelash.
“Since I still have a toast left, I’m just pouring the liquor.”
“What…?”
As the LIonel attempted to respond, the Empress interrupted him with laughter. In an instant, the pale cheeks that had been affected by the strong liquor regained their color. Her long, curving golden eyes glistened with a fiery light, resembling a glass of alcohol.
“Well, even if I look like this, I am the Empress, after all. For the prosperity of Ehmont.”
With those words, the Empress swiftly downed the next glass as well. Without a break, she drank the potent liquor! With elegance, Lionel promptly rose from his seat and fetched water. Adele rinsed her mouth with the water he offered and then filled her glass with more alcohol.
“Your Majesty!”
“You have to do it three times for good measure.”
“Then please wait a moment before drinking again. This liquor is not your ordinary strong drink.”
As Lionel strongly opposed it, Adele pondered for a moment, then nodded graciously and let go of her glass. As the hazy intoxication filled her senses, her mood became exceptionally pleasant. Unable to help it, she felt the corners of her mouth slowly lift. With a smile on her face, Adele pointed at a large, framed painting she had been observing with interest.
“Lionel, that painting. Is it a portrait of the royal lineage?”
Lionel glanced at the large, framed painting that Adele pointed to, then turned his gaze back to her.
