I Will Surrender My Position as the Empress - Chapter 71
Theseus, engrossed in his paperwork, stiffened at Lionel’s abrupt request for a private audience.
“Everyone, please leave for a moment.”
The attendants, including Michael Rosen, who occupied one side of the study, halted their tasks at the viscount’s command and hurriedly exited. In the desolate study, the brothers faced each other with stern expressions. Lionel approached Theseus and, as if momentarily angered, glanced at his brother before politely bowing his waist.
“I apologize.”
“Straighten up and look at me.”
As Lionel raised his head again, Theseus leaned forward, gripping the desk.
“What’s with the sudden apology?”
“I apologize for presumptuously presenting Her Majesty with items from the estate without your consent.”
“Don’t play games. If you were going to apologize to me, you wouldn’t have presented them in the first place! Stop beating around the bush and speak properly!”
“Brother.”
“…”
“I wish to finally accept the postponed inheritance.”
“…!”
Before the late Viscount passed away, he left Lionel the title and estate of Viscount Herbert. However, since Lionel was not of age at the time of the late viscount’s passing, the inheritance was postponed. Theseus had always urged Lionel to accept the viscountship and establish his position, but Lionel had continuously postponed, citing convenience in aiding their joint efforts. Yet, why would he suddenly decide to accept the inheritance now, of all times?
“That was originally yours, so there’s no need for you to apologize to me, right?”
“…”
“Lionel!”
“I will not resign from the position of advisor.”
Theseus’s brow furrowed deeply at Lionel’s declaration.
“You won’t resign? Do you think that position is eternal?!”
“No, I understand. It’s a position that I will eventually step down from.”
“But why now?!”
“I simply mean, not now.”
Theseus rose from his desk and gripped Lionel’s arms firmly.
“Even if you’re not the advisor, Baldr will always assist Her Majesty wholeheartedly. He won’t abandon her. Do you think the Queen would object?”
“No. She instructed me to resign.”
Lionel’s eyes reddened as he replied. Theseus felt a lump in his throat as he watched his younger brother gaze emptily into the air. Lionel soon removed Theseus’s arms with a resolute expression, taking a step back and speaking politely.
“I will never tarnish the honor of House Baldr.”
“Am I supposed to believe that’s my concern right now?!!”
As Theseus erupted in anger, Lionel smiled softly.
“Please don’t worry. I am currently walking a path that is for me more than anyone else.”
“What exactly is this path for you?!”
Lionel maintained a light expression as he took Theseus’s hand.
“Brother, I’m not trying to bring about a catastrophe.”
“…”
“I don’t seek to burn myself like a moth to a flame. It’s just that her thoughts ignite something within me, and I simply want to stand by her side.”
Theseus looked at Lionel with a lost expression of incredulity. Lionel released the hand he held and took a step back, bowing politely.
“I request the inheritance of Viscount Herbert, Your Grace of Baldr.”
****
In accordance with Ehmont law, a duke can transfer his personal title and estate to his kin without the Emperor’s permission, as it wasn’t technically bestowed by the Emperor. Following this, Duke Baldr smoothly transferred the title and estate of Viscount Herbert to Lionel through a concise process within the family. The news of Lionel Baldr becoming Lionel Herbert spread swiftly through Ehmont’s social circles, reaching even Adele.
“Suddenly became Viscount Herbert today?”
As Lady Giggs brushed Adele’s hair with a gentle stroke of the comb, she replied.
“After postponing for quite some time, he suddenly decided to accept the inheritance.”
“…”
“…”
The two fell silent afterward. Lady Giggs noticed the Empress’ distant gaze hidden beneath her delicate eyelashes, lost in thought. Continuously combing her unruffled hair with a gentle touch, Lady Giggs quietly stood behind the Queen. Although she hadn’t closely observed Lionel in person, Lady Giggs had watched his superficial growth over the years within the palace. Lionel’s expression as he left the palace today was undoubtedly new, even to Lady Giggs. He seemed consumed by deep despair and frustration. What could the Empress have said to evoke such a reaction from him? And why had he suddenly decided to accept the title he had been postponing? Lady Giggs faintly sensed answers to these sudden questions but chose to ignore them, instead draping a warm shawl over the Empress’ shoulders and handing her a cup of tea before quietly retreating. And that night, Adele had a dream.
In her dream, she stood in a windy field, watching the grass sway back and forth with the breeze. Her skirt fluttered in the wind. As she lowered her gaze, she saw a plain skirt without embroidery, something she had never worn before, yet it brought a smile to her face. It suited the open field. Then, someone appeared in the distance. Adele’s heart raced. With flowers in one hand and the plain skirt in the other, she ran toward him. As he drew nearer, his face became clear—a soft mane of blue-black hair, and eyes that warmly met hers. Adele called out to him with all her might.
“Lionel!”
Adele’s eyes fluttered open. Unable to distinguish between a dream and reality, she blinked blankly. In the familiar darkness, she saw the ornate ceiling adorned with delicate gold. Tears flowed from her eyes uncontrollably, overflowing without a pause. As the tears cascaded into her ears, they felt as heavy as water. Through the slow steps of time in the night, Adele cried incessantly, not knowing why. As sobs erupted, she buried herself under the blanket. The heavy darkness seeped into her chest. A few nameless wildflowers in her hand. A plain skirt without embroidery. And he was there. Though it was a dream, the image of his tender smile and outstretched arms toward her remained vivid in her mind.
“Adele!”
Even his voice, brimming with overflowing affection as he called her name, lingered.
Adele tossed and turned in the early hours of the morning but couldn’t manage to sleep in. She had to attend the upcoming council meeting, following yesterday’s proceedings.
“Make it simple and neat. It’s better to tie up your hair,” Lady Giggs directed the Empress’ grooming with eyes full of zeal. Once the grooming was complete, even the maids who adorned her couldn’t help but admire her elegance. Lady Giggs nodded approvingly at Adele.
“You’re all set, Your Majesty.”
Adele stood up and examined herself in the mirror. Reflected back was the epitome of grace and charisma—the Empress herself. As she caught sight of her glamorous dress, a fleeting memory of the plain skirt she wore in her dream came to mind, but Adele pushed the thought aside.
“Thank you for your hard work. You’ve all done well.”
The maids sent by Diane Poiters hadn’t budged near the Ivory Palace, but Adele had no secret tasks for them.
“What time is it now?”
“It’s eight fifty, Your Majesty.”
“Then it’s almost time.”
Before Adele could finish her sentence, a knock sounded at the door. Lady Giggs swiftly opened it, and the maid announced it with a bow.
“The Grand Duke, Duke Baldr, and Viscount Herbert request an audience, Your Majesty.”
“Lionel Herbert…” The words carried a weight as they embraced her soul like magic. Adele quietly rolled the name on her tongue before swallowing it and moving forward.
****
“Your Majesty has arrived.”
As Lady Giggs announced the Empress’ entrance, the three seated individuals rose simultaneously. As Lady Giggs stepped aside, the Queen revealed herself gracefully, flowing like water. Her softly tied hair and intellectually sparkling golden eyes were enchanting yet dignified.
“Did you have a restful night, Your Majesty?”
“Of course.”
After exchanging brief greetings with Elizabeth, Adele, and Theseus, Lionel extended his greetings to her. While Adele exchanged greetings with the two, Lionel watched her silently. When Adele’s gaze finally met his, Lionel courteously nodded.
“Just yesterday afternoon, he was Duke Baldr, and this morning he’s Viscount Herbert. Congratulations, Viscount Herbert.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Now, please, everyone take a seat.”
Gathered around the round table, the four of them continued their discussion on today’s council meeting while examining the documents Lionel had brought regarding the Marquis of Kalbang.
“Surely, Duke Despone will try to twist the situation with the Poiters.”
Elizabeth nodded gravely at Lionel’s serious remark.
“I won’t stand for that.”
Though Adele didn’t quite grasp the meaning behind it, she chuckled at Elizabeth’s remark, while Theseus and Lionel nodded in understanding.
“If they resort to any mischievous magical knowledge, I’ll counter each point meticulously, so don’t worry too much.”
As Adele spoke, Elizabeth sparkled her eyes at her.
“We’ve been in this situation precisely because of that. Today, speak your mind as much as needed.”
“Consider it done.”
As the two women exchanged a knowing smile, Theseus and Lionel shrugged at each other. Those two ladies were sure to sweep through the council meeting today.
