I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 70
Adele hesitated when Theseus requested a private audience, her suspicions bubbling beneath the surface. Yet she acquiesced without much resistance, granting him his wish. Theseus cast a discreet glance at the empress seated opposite him. It was a brazen display of disrespect towards her position, yet Adele concealed any hint of offense, her attention fully ensnared by him. The weighty silence, suffocating to most, hung between them, yet neither flinched. Facing the Empress, Theseus couldn’t help but realize the depth of Lionel’s infatuation with her. She was akin to the sun, her radiance was palpable even when her eyes were shut, effortlessly captivating her adversary. Theseus’s heart sank in acknowledgment.
“I beg your pardon for any impertinence.”
“If you have something to convey, please articulate it clearly. I prefer clarity.”
Theseus struggled momentarily with the Empress’s words before finding his voice.
“The poison test strip I presented earlier is a confidential item reserved solely for the direct descendants of the Gong family. Regardless of our amicable relations, it should not be entrusted to an outsider. Today, on behalf of the Baldr family, I entrusted it to Your Majesty as a symbol of trust.”
Adele’s brows furrowed, sensing a misstep.
“Fear not, I haven’t divulged the existence of the test strip received from the Minister prior. I’ll exercise caution henceforth.”
“It’s not merely about discretion. Please understand, it’s not something to be carelessly exposed or fall into foreign hands. However, my reason for raising this matter is…”
As Theseus trailed off, Adele tilted her head in puzzlement. Yet, he struggled to find the right words, choosing them with great care.
“Lord Baldr.”
“My apologies. So, what I wish to convey is this: Even if Sir Baldr accepted the role of aide for mutual benefit, he likely wouldn’t have entrusted the poison test strip if Your Majesty hadn’t bestowed ample trust upon him.”
Adele keenly discerned Theseus’s true intentions behind his gentle facade.
“I’ve always been indebted to the Minister and Prince Baldr. I hold a great deal of trust in the Minister as well.”
“I appreciate your sentiments. However, the position of aide isn’t permanent, is it? Eventually, there will come a time when Your Majesty won’t require assistants.”
“…Indeed.”
“Even if Lord Baldr steps down from his role as aide, he’ll continue to serve His Majesty to the best of his abilities, both materially and spiritually. So, Your Majesty, as Lionel’s older brother, I implore you. Please safeguard his honor at all times.”
Theseus rose from his seat, bowing deeply. His brotherly concern for Lionel shimmered faintly through a veil of decorum. Adele found herself torn between wanting to acknowledge it and wanting to ignore it. Speaking seemed as though her throat had constricted, yet she managed to force the words out with all her strength.
“Of course. You needn’t worry.”
Yet, despite her efforts, a smile eluded her.
****
Even after Theseus departed, Adele remained seated on the sofa, lost in contemplation. The implications of Theseus’s casual words were unmistakable.
‘Even if Lionel Baldr resigns as aide, the Baldr family will stand by Your Majesty. Please consider his honor and relieve him of his duties when appropriate.’
But why address this to her and not to Lionel directly? Adele rose, retreating to the sanctuary of her office desk. From a drawer, she retrieved a small, gleaming silver case. Her reflection gazed back at her, her visage tinged with sorrow. She exhaled deeply, allowing herself to be pulled back into memories that haunted her relentlessly.
In the depths of night, when his face dominated her thoughts, her once composed demeanor faltered. The memory of his chiseled features and his piercing gaze stirred within her. What if she hadn’t intervened, hadn’t called out to him? Why did he approach her with that expression? Why did his eyes always find hers when she turned away? Why…?
And amidst her ponderings, his image persisted. Are you intrigued? Why do we assign meaning to it all?
Adele sighed, closing her eyes. Yet, her solitude was interrupted by Mrs. Giggs, who announced another visitor.
“Your Majesty, the aide requests an audience.”
Adele held her breath, swiftly checking her reflection in the mirror. With practiced composure, she nodded as Mrs. Giggs withdrew. As she reached to return the case to its drawer, a strange flutter stirred within her. Taking a deep breath, Adele closed the drawer, lifting her head with deliberation.
“…”
However, Adele found herself momentarily frozen, despite her attempt to offer a casual greeting. Lionel stood before her, his smile gentle as it tugged at the corners of his lips. Adele’s heart skipped a beat at the kindness radiating from his long, curved eyes. Lionel greeted her with polished charm.
“Your Majesty, the Empress.”
Adele lowered her gaze, rising from her seat as he extended his hand, giving a reassuring squeeze to her fingers clutching the case.
“Shall we?”
“What’s wrong?”
Noticing Adele’s subtle shift in demeanor, Lionel settled onto the sofa opposite her, his gaze probing her face. Her cheeks tingled under the careful scrutiny of his eyes. Adele shut her eyes tightly, shaking her head.
“N-nothing. Nothing at all.”
Opening her eyes, she met his concerned gaze. His dark blue eyes held a blend of worry and care. Adele spoke lightly.
“Lord Baldr and the Grand Duke just left. They briefed me on the proceedings at the Cities Council. Speaking of which, why weren’t you with them earlier?”
“I had some matters to attend to at the official residence briefly. You know I’m expected at the Council of Ministers.”
“Yes, I recall. I mentioned earlier my intention to address Count Calvin’s domain at the next CSU meeting.”
“I’ll gather the necessary materials.”
As Adele’s demeanor lightened, Lionel regarded her with a smile once more. Puzzled, Adele gazed at him, tilting her head in inquiry.
“Why have you been smiling so much?”
Lionel raised an eyebrow in mock offense.
“Since when have you complained about my smiling?”
“When have I ever done that?”
“You used to tell me to ease up on the frowning.”
“I merely advised against saying frowning causes wrinkles. But why the sudden change? Is something good afoot?”
Lionel grinned, tilting his head.
“Do my smiles vex you?”
“Huh?”
Adele echoed, caught off guard by the abrupt question. Lionel lowered his gaze, tracing his chin with his fingers before meeting her eyes once more. Like a tempestuous sea on a moonless night, his gaze seemed to swirl with unspoken depths. Adele found herself ensnared by the enigmatic emotion flickering within her eyes. As he waited in silence, almost demanding an answer, she shook her head faintly.
“N-no.”
In response, Lionel’s eyes widened, his lips quirking upwards. His gaze, like stars in the night sky, twinkled with mischief, his immaculate teeth glinting. Mesmerized by his smile, Adele inadvertently tightened her grip on the forgotten case. Following her gaze, Lionel’s eyes landed on it.
“Oh, didn’t I give that to you? Perhaps you needed it for testing?”
“No, it’s not that…”
Locking eyes with Lionel, Adele pressed on.
“Lionel.”
“Speak, please.”
“You mentioned not giving this to just anyone, didn’t you?”
Lionel’s eyes widened, a hint of embarrassment coloring his features. Adele grinned, tilting her head playfully.
“Lord Baldr suggested so. He preferred not to reveal it to outsiders, if possible.”
“It’s not exactly taboo.”
“Right. I heard the head of the Gong family deliberate before presenting it as a gift.”
“Did Lord Baldr also gift you a test paper?”
“Yeah. He instructed me to use it discreetly. You should’ve warned me not to use it conspicuously. What if I had accidentally exposed it in front of others?”
“If I had disclosed it as a valuable gift, would you have accepted it?”
“…”
“Regardless, I’m the one overseeing the production of the poison test strips within the family. Rest assured, if rumors circulate or the poisons on the market evolve, the test results will adapt accordingly.”
Adele’s gaze lingered on Lionel’s composed visage.
“At the Council of Ministers, Duke Baldr and the Grand Duke emphasized my presence, aligning me with the two ducal families.”
Listening intently, Lionel froze, bracing himself for what would come next. The Empress continued, her tone devoid of emotion, almost cruelly so.
“Lionel, I’ve already attained what I aimed for by having you as my aide. I believe you feel the same.”
“Why this sudden…?”
“People have their suspicions about how you acquired the position. If you relinquish it in a manner that serves your own interests, the damage to your reputation won’t be as severe.”
“The weight of honor.”
Lionel bit his lip, his heart torn by Adele’s calculated consideration.
“Your Majesty, have you not yet achieved your desired goal?”
He suddenly raised his head, fixing Adele with a piercing gaze. His eyes, tinged with red, seemed to devour her.
“The words branding this realm as hell still echo in my ears.”
“I’m on the brink, barely swaying the tilted pendulum. I’ll continue standing by Your Majesty’s side.”
Adele’s expression shifted, contorted by inner turmoil, as she looked upon him.
“Lionel…”
“If Your Majesty deems all goals accomplished, then please decree my dismissal as your aide.”
Why do you do this to me, Your Majesty? Adele’s countenance twisted as she met his gaze.
****
Lionel departed from the palace of the empress in haste, as if fleeing. Emotions churned within him, twisting his features beyond recognition. He helplessly swayed, he couldn’t fathom the expression that adorned his face or the tumult in his eyes. The clarity of purpose he once possessed dulled in the presence of the Empress, each word and glance igniting a tempest within him, plunging him into the depths with every utterance. Standing alone on the desolate roadside, Lionel bowed his head, engulfed in shadows. It took an eternity for the storm of emotions to ebb. The chill of autumn brushed against his cheek, a stark contrast to the fire raging within his chest. Lionel drew a deep breath, longing for the fervor within him to cool.
It was pathetic, he thought, to be so agitated by a single word from the Empress. Lionel pondered once more.
“Is it wise to resign now? Will I regret it?”
As Theseus had suggested, the inevitable end of their relationship loomed ahead. The Empress, having lived her entire life in the royal circle, prioritized the dignity and honor of the royal family. So Lionel made a vow. He resolved to serve his Empress with unwavering loyalty, despite the turmoil within. Though countless days may find him swayed by her slightest word, perhaps, in time, only loyalty will endure.
“Ah, I once admired such nobility.”
Wouldn’t the day come when he’d reminisce? Lionel was always one to tread his chosen path, even if it led to regret. Yet, his brother’s distorted visage lingered in his mind.
“I suppose it’s time.”
With shoulders squared and resolve etched upon his face, Lionel strode forward, his decision made.
