It Turned Out She Wasn't a Favored Concubine - Episode 36

“No, let’s go now.”

“Where? Don’t tell me you’re heading to the Berna Palace right now?”

“Yes.”

“Together?”

“Yes.”

I stammered in surprise.

“But the meeting isn’t over yet. Rui told the attendants at Berna Palace to notify Arlin Palace once it ends, so I’ll go then. And I can go alone.”

“No, you won’t be able to get permission by yourself.”

His tone was filled with certainty.

Once Giscal made a decision, his actions were swift. People said his swordsmanship was nearly as fast as light, and his decisiveness and speed were no different.

His steps toward Berna Palace, where the meeting was still ongoing, were urgent.

That inexplicable haste ignited a flame of anxiety in me.

“Is something wrong with Lean?”

I imagined the worst. The sound of his heels striking the straight path to Berna Palace suddenly stopped.

“Huh? Tell me the truth. Did his condition suddenly worsen? Is that why you’re in such a rush?”

He said Lean had porridge early this morning. Could even that have been too much for a body that had been dormant for a month? Had he fallen unconscious again? What if yesterday’s awakening was a miracle before the end…

Tears welled up as my thoughts spiraled toward the worst.

“No, he’s fine.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

His short but clear affirmation made me sigh in relief.

“Thank goodness. I thought maybe Lean’s condition had worsened and that’s why you were rushing.”

Giscal’s deep red eyes turned flustered.

“Ah… I rushed because I was impatient. It has nothing to do with him. I’m sorry for worrying you…”

His awkward apology made me realize he was someone who rarely said sorry to others.

It made sense. He had shown talent in swordsmanship since childhood and became a war hero at a young age.

Even if he had been arrogant or domineering, it would’ve been understandable. But instead, he offered a sincere, albeit clumsy, apology.

I shook my head.

“No, I was just anxious for no reason.”

“No, I should’ve explained properly. I rushed because I wanted you to come to the estate as soon as possible. I didn’t consider how you, who’ve been worried about him, would take it. That was my fault.”

Even though the situation could’ve passed smoothly, Giscal insisted on declaring his fault. His integrity was striking.

We exchanged apologies and arrived at Berna Palace.

Despite the late hour, the central office of Berna Palace was brightly lit. We paused our conversation and followed the attendant to the meeting room. Though the meeting hadn’t ended, the attendant, upon seeing my face, led us directly to the room.

Maybe it’s because Arne would’ve barged in regardless of the meeting?

Turning the corridor, we saw a thick, antique wooden door. It was the meeting room where dozens of ministers had gathered.

I was about to look to Giscal for guidance when the doors swung open with a loud sound. Erich, wearing a cloak over one arm, rushed out and stopped upon seeing me.

“Arne?”

He couldn’t even wait for the attendants to properly adjust his cloak and rushed toward me.

“I was just about to head to Arlin Palace. The incompetence of others dragged the meeting unnecessarily long, so I had no choice but to send a message.”

Behind him, the ministers exited with bowed heads. Erich turned and waved his hand at them. As if struck by that gesture, they scattered quickly. Even Count Melton, who lingered nervously, finally retreated. Erich turned back to me and grabbed both my hands.

“You’re visiting the Edelheit estate? What are you talking about?”

Is there some imperial law forbidding concubines from visiting their family?

Erich trembled as if he’d heard the world was ending. His reaction was more severe than when I said I was going to the auction to sell Arne’s assets.

“Your Majesty.”

As I rolled my eyes at his unexpected reaction, Giscal, standing beside me, knelt on one knee in respect to the emperor. Erich furrowed his brow and looked down at him.

“Ah, the Marquis of Edelheit is here too. What brings you here?”

He looked clearly annoyed, like he was dealing with unwanted guests. Just like how he treated Rosdel and Xenia when they were with me. He even seemed to harbor some unknown hostility toward Giscal.

The emperor who praised Giscal’s achievements during the victory ceremony was nowhere to be seen.

Yet Giscal, unfazed and expressionless, stated his purpose directly.

“Please grant Lady Arne formal permission to visit the Edelheit estate.”

It was a simple and direct request. Erich gritted his teeth.

“So this is the Marquis’s idea?”

“Yes, but it’s also Lady Arne’s wish.”

Erich turned sharply. I met his blue eyes and nodded repeatedly in response to his silent question.

“Yes, I want to visit the Edelheit estate. It’s been a while…”

“No!”

Erich shouted as if having a seizure.

“The Edelheit estate? It’s dangerous. Arne, I absolutely cannot allow it.”

He gripped my hands tightly. His strength hurt my fingers.

“Ugh…”

At my groan, Erich reflexively let go. As I rubbed my reddened fingers, he clenched his own hands as if punishing himself.

“I-I’m sorry.”

He anxiously examined my hand. The redness quickly faded. He sighed with slightly calmer eyes. I sighed too. This situation was a mess.

Most of all, I couldn’t understand why Erich said my family home was dangerous.

Compared to the auction house I visited last time, wouldn’t my family home be much safer?

No, wait—he wouldn’t be worried about my safety. So is there some political reason he can’t let me go?

I quickly ran through possibilities in my head. But I couldn’t think of any plausible reason for Erich to block my visit. If anything, he’d prefer me gone for a while. So why?

Come to think of it, Giscal said I wouldn’t be able to get permission alone. Does he know something?

Giscal was still kneeling, as Erich hadn’t told him to rise. That bothered me, so I pleaded with Erich.

“Your Majesty, please tell the Marquis of Edelheit to rise.”

“…Are you serious?”

Did he forget Giscal is my brother?

“Yes, of course I’m serious.”

“…Rise.”

His command sounded like a reluctant favor. But instead of rising, Giscal bowed his head.

“If Lady Arne wishes to return to the palace, I will bring her back immediately. Wherever she goes, I vow to protect her safety. Even if you don’t trust me, you know the customs that guarantee the safety of royal visits.”

After a few moments of silence, Erich suddenly chuckled.

“Customs can be broken. What matters is your intent. More than that…”

Erich’s gaze landed on the black sword sheath at Giscal’s waist.

“Can you swear on your sword?”

“Yes.”

His answer came without hesitation.

“Oh? Really?”

Erich’s eyes narrowed.

“You couldn’t swear on that noble sword for your sister before. What’s changed today?”

“I’ve realized my foolishness. And my sword isn’t noble. It’s just a bloodstained blade.”

“Ha, today is full of surprises. The empire’s greatest swordsman belittling his own sword. Don’t be so harsh. Your sword is useful on the battlefield. You’ll continue to wield it for the empire.”

“I’ll soon head to the western front as commanded. But before that, I wish to spend time with Lady Arne. I swear on my sword to protect her.”

There was a strange tension in the air. No one raised their voice, yet it felt like a storm was brewing between Erich and Giscal.

During the victory ceremony, they seemed like a loyal emperor and general.

Giscal, the triumphant general, showed proper respect, and Erich praised him, even promising to forge a new imperial sword for him.

Even if Erich secretly planned to discard him, I thought they’d maintain a decent public relationship.

And if he truly planned to discard Giscal, shouldn’t he treat him well in front of me too?

Anyway, Giscal’s kneeling posture continued to bother me.

“Ahem, Your Majesty?”

My fake cough seemed to work, as Erich withdrew his cold gaze from Giscal.

“Please let the Marquis rise. Go ahead, stand up.”

At my urging, Giscal slowly stood. His black trousers were creased at the knees.

“Your Majesty, as I said earlier, visiting the Edelheit estate is my wish. The estate in the capital isn’t dangerous, and Gis—no, the Marquis—promised to protect me.”

“Do you truly wish to go to the Edelheit estate?”

“Yes, I do.”

My firm answer sent ripples through Erich’s blue eyes. He sighed deeply.

“…If Arne wishes it.”

It was permission—but with conditions.

“Since Arne wants it, I have no choice. But I absolutely cannot let you go alone. I’ll send elite knights from Berna Palace. Wherever you go, they must escort you. This is non-negotiable.”

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