The Empress Tames the Tyrant - Chapter 5

Contrary to Cayenne’s assessment, Alicia returned to her chambers, clutching her pounding heart and sighing.

“I thought my lifespan was going to shorten.”

The Cayenne she actually faced was more cold-blooded than she remembered, and his unique, intense scent was strong. Above all, she couldn’t breathe properly when his obsidian eyes lingered on her face.

“Still, I’ve had an audience, so I can rest for a while, right?”

Alicia’s hope was shattered a mere 30 minutes later when a servant arrived. Unbelievably, it was a message that the Emperor himself wanted a dinner with Alicia.

“This… can’t be happening…”

She couldn’t help but repeat the same words at Cayenne’s actions, which were different from her memories.

“For His Majesty to request a dinner with Her Majesty the Empress, it’s truly a joyous occasion.”

Anise, unaware of Alicia’s inner turmoil, wore a beaming smile. So, Alicia couldn’t bring herself to say what she really felt.

“Her Majesty the Empress is also pleased, isn’t she?”

“…Y-yes, of course… I’m pleased.”

Please, wouldn’t it be nice if everyone in the world lost interest in me? That was her naked desire.

However, since the Emperor’s order had been given, there was no way to avoid the dinner. But, based on her experiences in her past life, she could slightly alter this uncomfortable situation.

“It’s so kind of you to say that you’ll prepare the dinner at the Empress’s Palace.”

Anise, oblivious to Alicia’s thoughts, still had a face full of joy.

“If we open the banquet hall and diligently decorate it, by evening…”

Even if it wasn’t as grand as the Emperor’s Palace, the Empress’s Palace banquet hall was also large, magnificent, and splendid.

“No, I’ll greet His Majesty in the room where I usually eat.”

“Yes? But, it’s a dinner to honor His Majesty the Emperor, so how can you…”

“It’s a dinner to honor His Majesty the Emperor, so it’s better to be simple and unpretentious.”

“I don’t understand what you mean at all.”

In her past life, she could count on one hand the number of times she had dinner alone with him. The long table between the couple kept them so far apart that they could barely see each other’s faces, and chewing and swallowing the food that had cooled down due to the order in which more than 10 pieces of silverware had to be served according to etiquette was truly a chore.

“His Majesty the Emperor must dislike the tedious process of the Imperial Palace’s etiquette, having fought battles in the Rubeo territory.”

Moreover, if they followed the formal dinner etiquette, it would take as long as two hours until dessert was served. Just thinking about spending that time alone made Alicia feel like she was already getting indigestion.

“A dinner with full etiquette is good, but His Majesty has just returned to the Imperial Palace. Since it’s a dinner between husband and wife, a warm meal and a gentle setting that isn’t too bound by etiquette is better.”

Certainly, a formal dinner was a bleak sight. In any case, the two were husband and wife, so everything Alicia said was right.

“Reduce the number of dishes and put effort into the main course. Check the order so that the food doesn’t get cold, and the table decoration should just be silver candlesticks.”

“In other words, you want me to prepare it as you usually eat, Your Majesty?”

Alicia nodded.

“Tell the Head Court Lady to find out what His Majesty the Emperor’s favorite meat dish is. Leave the table preparation and kitchen work to Howard as well.”

“Usually, that’s what I do…”

“There’s something else I want to ask Anise to do.”

There were times when the strained relationship between husband and wife in her past life was helpful. Since they hadn’t eaten alone very often, her memories of it were very clear, and she knew for sure some of the reasons why Cayenne felt uncomfortable.

“Make sure there are no more than five pieces of silverware.”

That was a simple order, but why Anise of all people? Before she could ask her question, Alicia opened her pink lips again.

“His Majesty the Emperor… doesn’t know the etiquette of the Imperial Palace very well.”

“Yes? How… that’s impossible.”

Anise’s eyes widened at the absurd statement.

“Anise must have heard the rumors.”

Alicia thought the story would be long, so she gestured for her to sit down. When Anise sat next to her, Alicia let out a short breath.

“When His Majesty the Emperor was a prince, he was sent to the Rubeo territory at the young age of seven by order of the late Emperor. Along with Count and Countess Hayer and the current Lord Glenn Hayer.”

It was worth the effort to recall all the memories related to Cayenne last night.

“But unfortunately, Countess Hayer died of illness, so the young Emperor and Lord Hayer… grew up in an environment where there was no one to teach them etiquette, nor the time to do so.”

In her previous life, Alicia learned about Cayenne’s special upbringing only after she was bedridden.

At that time, it was information that was useless to know, but now it was different.

“If we proceed with the dinner in the orthodox way, it will only irritate His Majesty, who is not familiar with etiquette.”

Once, when the Emperor’s Head Attendant, Miller, was sick, the attendant who was serving in his place was reprimanded by Cayenne for saying that the order of the silverware was wrong.

Also, she clearly remembered that the nobles who were invited to the dinner laughed at him as a barbaric emperor because he ignored the rule that all food had to be served by an attendant or maid before being eaten.

It was something that hadn’t happened here yet, but if things continued as they were, it was bound to happen.

“So, Anise’s role is the most important at today’s dinner.”

Alicia’s blue eyes shone meaningfully.

***

The dinner, which was originally scheduled for 6 o’clock, started at 7 o’clock due to Cayenne’s tardiness.

“We greet His Majesty the Emperor.”

He received the greetings of the Empress and the palace staff and silently sat down at the table. He said nothing about the small scale of the dinner.

“Empress, sit down as well.”

Cayenne belatedly saw Alicia standing and offered her a seat. He had no intention of forcing her to stand, but he was so used to living with Glenn in the barracks that he didn’t realize it.

“Thank you.”

Alicia quietly took her seat without showing any displeasure. Then, Anise bowed to the two people sitting at the table once more.

“Her Majesty the Empress has not yet fully recovered, so we have prepared a simple dinner. We ask for His Majesty’s generous understanding.”

“It doesn’t matter to me.”

“Then, although it is insufficient, the staff of the Empress’s Palace will serve Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress.”

Cayenne nodded roughly, and at the same time, a few pieces of bread, soup, and salad were served all at once.

“I am afraid to say this before the meal, but there is something I must tell you.”

Alicia said, looking at the food placed in front of her.

“Speak.”

Cayenne still had an inscrutable, indifferent expression.

“Actually, since I suffered from a high fever… I have been experiencing adjustment difficulties. I am ashamed to say that I have also forgotten the dining etiquette, so I need the help and guidance of the Head Maid.”

At Alicia’s blatant lie, Anise knelt with a calm face, agreeing with her.

Just in time, Howard, the Head Attendant of the Empress’s Palace, stood next to the Emperor. It was, so to speak, a grand operation to prevent the Emperor from becoming displeased.

“I understand that it’s because you’re sick.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Watching Alicia dip her fingertips into a bowl of clean water before starting the meal and wiping them with a napkin, Cayenne also dipped his fingers into the bowl that Howard brought.

“Your Majesty the Empress, you should use the silverware in pairs, starting with the ones on the outside. However, you only need to use one spoon for soup or dessert.”

As Anise recited in a soft voice, Cayenne seemed to be listening, or maybe it was just her imagination.

“Also, today’s main course, pheasant, is roasted whole, so our staff will cut it into easy-to-eat pieces and serve it.”

“The silverware at that time…”

“You can use what’s left in front of you. We will take away the dishes with the silverware that has already been used.”

It was uncertain what effect this educational play would have. Even if she taught him etiquette as inconspicuously as possible, it would be all for naught if Cayenne didn’t show any interest.

“When you want to have the food removed, place the silverware you were using in the center of the plate.”

Now, the Empress’s Palace had used all the methods it could. The rest depended on what attitude Cayenne showed at this dinner.

“Thank you once again for understanding my shortcomings.”

Alicia looked straight at Cayenne across the table, smiled slightly, and began to eat. In fact, Alicia was so busy stealing glances at Cayenne that she didn’t even know where the food was going, but Cayenne silently and leisurely ate his share of the food.

“It tastes better than a formal dinner.”

Even hearing Cayenne’s praise made Alicia’s tension ease a little.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve eaten hot roasted pheasant. At least in this Imperial Palace, there hasn’t been such delicious food. Does the Empress’s Palace usually eat like this?”

Cayenne, holding the correct knife, looked at the Head Attendant Howard next to him and asked.

“Usually, Her Majesty the Empress eats alone, so there are fewer types and it’s simpler.”

It was all nutritious, neat, and delicious food, but it felt more like a home-style meal than an Imperial Palace dinner. Considering that it was the Empress’s Palace, it was far from extravagant and could even be said to be simple.

“…I see.”

Perhaps because he was satisfied with the meal, there was almost no unnecessary conversation. Howard quietly and nimbly watched the Emperor’s mood and served him, and Alicia watched his clumsy but definitely etiquette-abiding gestures.

“If you allow it, I will now serve dessert.”

“Good.”

Finally, the moment came when Alicia and Cayenne were left alone. When fragrant tea and neatly arranged pieces of fruit were placed on a small plate, the two attendants bowed and left.

All the silverware had been cleared away discreetly, and only a small fork was placed next to the dessert plate, so there was no chance for Cayenne to be confused.

“It was a worthwhile meal for once.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Even an Emperor was human and satisfied when he ate delicious food in a comfortable place. Thanks to that, his gaze and voice towards Alicia were not as cold as before.

“Now, confess.”

Cayenne removed his satisfied expression and stared straight at Alicia with his cold black eyes.