The Empress Tames the Tyrant - Chapter 59

Marquis Sale still did not seem to understand the unfolding situation.

“It is the Empress. She is the one keeping the Emperor tied to the Imperial Palace and the one causing him to change.”

“What? But isn’t the Empress as good as non-existent?”

The Barons and Marquises following him felt the same. Duke Nigel lamented inwardly that there was simply no talent within his faction.

“Then why did the Emperor mention the Empress himself during today’s Council? No one requested it, yet he declared he would attend the military review with her.”

Everyone else had brushed it off, but considering the ruckus Cayenne had caused on his wedding day, it was a statement that felt distinctly out of place.

“Can you all not try to live with at least a bit of thought?” the Duke snapped in frustration.

“But the Empress is a person of no consequence. Does she even have any power?”

“That may have been true before, but not now. Rumors are spreading throughout the Palace that the Emperor visits the Empress’s palace every single day.”

“Well, they are a married couple, so what is the problem with that?”

Unfortunately, the men gathered in this room could not see the big picture. Cayenne, once savage, was now employing etiquette with surprising grace, yet his own subordinates showed no signs of improvement. Duke Nigel felt stifled.

“When exactly did the Emperor begin to change? Furthermore, when he executed the spy I planted, who handled the aftermath? Did you not see the Emperor moving according to court etiquette during the banquet recently?”

Every change in Cayenne pointed directly toward the Empress.

“Who else would still have a head on their shoulders after daring to interfere like that?”

Only then did the others nod, their mouths slightly agape. Unless she committed high treason, an Empress could never be deposed, and she could use her private relationship as a spouse to win Cayenne’s heart.

“The fact that the Emperor is not returning to Rubeo, that he is no longer acting like a barbarian, and that he is trying to find his place in this palace is clearly a change brought about by the Empress.”

Until now, it had been a vague suspicion, but Cayenne’s words today had hammered that suspicion into a certainty.

“Your Grace, if the opponent is truly the Empress, then we cannot easily take action. Moreover, the Empress was a monitor we planted after negotiating with Lucan.”

The Duke clicked his tongue.

“The reason the Emperor returned this time was because he heard news that the Empress had been suffering from a high fever. I do not know exactly when it started, but right now, the Emperor cherishes the Empress more than anything.”

Rumors had circulated that the Empress had barely survived a fever that lasted for days and had lost all her wisdom, but everyone had quickly forgotten. That was how weak the Empress’s presence had been.

“Then…”

“The Great Sage of Lucan will arrive as early as tomorrow. I requested that he hurry.”

“I see. Since the Empress is a daughter of Lucan, the Great Sage can meet her personally and assess the situation.”

The Duke did not have the energy to explain his entire plan to the dim-witted Marquis Sale.

“If the Great Sage’s opinion aligns with mine, the Empress will be deposed.”

Instead, he threw out the bait the Marquis loved.

“Your Grace, surely you mean…”

“Yes. Your daughter would be a much better fit for that position in many ways.”

The dream of becoming the father of an Empress would now fill Marquis Sale’s heart and head. It would also reinforce the belief among the other nobles that following Duke Nigel would lead to such rewards.

“I am tired, so you may all withdraw.”

Observing the Duke’s mood, the nobles offered their respects one by one and left the drawing room.

“Your Grace.”

“Ah, you have come.”

A moment later, Dalia arrived and began massaging the shoulders of the Duke as he sat on the sofa.

“Men of the nobility are so pathetic.”

Looking at the clever Dalia made Marquis Sale’s stupidity even more grating.

“I did not expect the Emperor to become such a headache.”

Dalia was the only one Duke Nigel could truly confide in.

“Furthermore, now that the Empress is joining the fray, I must take action.”

“The Empress? That is a title I have not heard in a long while.”

Normally, an Empress should lead social circles and maintain close relationships with noblewomen, but Alicia lacked the capacity for that. Naturally, that role had been taken over by Dalia, the Duke’s second wife.

“However, as far as I know, she has not even adapted to this palace yet.”

A hint of mockery was mixed in Dalia’s voice.

“I thought so too. When the Emperor left for Rubeo without even finishing the wedding ceremony, I thought the plan had gone awry.”

“That is true. After all that chaos at the wedding.”

Alicia had been a messenger and monitor planted by the alliance of Duke Nigel and the Great Sage of Lucan to assist Cayenne, who lacked the qualities of royalty. Yet, despite everyone’s efforts, Alicia had failed to properly carry out even the wedding.

“But something has changed significantly. I cannot find out the details because all the spies were killed, but the rumor that the Emperor visits her palace every day is widespread.”

“Hm, perhaps he found her to his liking upon seeing her again?”

Dalia curled her lips in interest.

“The Emperor cherishes the Empress now. That much is certain. Whether it is a command from the Great Sage or if there is another motive, however…”

“Well, the Emperor is a man in the prime of his life, and the Empress is now twenty. It does not seem that strange.”

Sometimes, a simple interpretation could be the answer to a complex problem. The Duke smoothed his furrowed brow and stared at Dalia.

“What?”

“They are both in their youth. They might not have clicked during the wedding, but who knows if they were attracted to each other when they met again?”

“You think the Emperor simply fell in love with the Empress without any thought or ulterior motive?”

“Yes. Just as you fell in love with me, Your Grace.”

Dalia leaned into the Duke’s embrace with a flirtatious smile.

“I thought the Emperor learning etiquette was the Empress’s influence, but you think it is purely a matter between a husband and wife?”

“It could be. Is it not more strange for there to be another reason?”

Everyone had forgotten they were a married couple after Cayenne ruined the wedding.

“But it is strange,” Dalia murmured without any ulterior motive.

“Even though their relationship has improved, there has been no word that the marriage has been consummated.”

“Wait a moment.”

Struck by a sudden thought, the Duke pushed Dalia aside and sat up straight.

“Yes, that is it. They finished the wedding vows, but the Emperor left for Rubeo before the banquet even began.”

“Yes. It was quite absurd.”

“Dalia, in such a case, what happens to their status?”

Even for a Duke, Dalia was far better informed in such matters.

“Pardon? What do you mean?”

“I am asking if the current relationship between the Emperor and Empress can be recognized as a valid marriage.”

Dalia widened her eyes at the unexpected question.

“It cannot.”

The Duke’s expression began to brighten.

“A wedding ceremony is only complete on the morning after the first night is spent together. Only then can the marriage be officially recognized.”

“And what happens after that?”

“It is rare, but if a marriage vow is not consummated, it can be declared void after one year has passed.”

Just as he had trampled over Cayenne’s most precious land, Rubeo, a possibility emerged to once again take away what he cherished.

“Dalia, bring me the calendar at once! I must know exactly when the national wedding was held!”

“I remember it. That wedding was the topic of the social season all year long.”

“When was it?”

“Let me see. It was October, so a year has certainly passed.”

The Duke let out a laugh. He had not realized such an easy and simple method was right in front of him.

“Dalia.”

The Duke pulled Dalia back into his arms and kissed her forehead.

“You truly are the best.”

Coincidentally, the Great Sage was on his way. As long as Alicia was not properly conveying the teachings of Lucan, he was highly likely to side with the Duke’s opinion.

Alicia kept a smile on her face throughout the dinner as she heard of Cayenne’s exploits. The fact that she would be able to watch the military review with him once the Holy Knights arrived made her heart flutter. Though unintended, it would be her first time performing an official duty as Empress.

“After discussions between the Chancellor and the Minister of Rites, it was decided to open the review to the common people as well.”

Cayenne wore a satisfied smile.

“Will I be able to do well?”

It was a bit nerve-wracking for Alicia, who had not appeared in public since the wedding. Especially since that public appearance had been a disaster, her concern was understandable.

“Of course.”

Cayenne spoke firmly. He could not undo past mistakes, but he could write the future starting now. He intended to repay Alicia for his regrets one by one.

“Alicia, you are a more beautiful Empress than anyone. Any noble or citizen will be proud of the Empire’s Empress.”

Hearing such firm words from Cayenne, and no one else, warmed Alicia’s heart.

“Above all, you are the most lovely and proud Empress to me.”

The two were already looking at each other. They could fill the regrets of the past as much as they wanted. Was this not a honeymoon for the two of them that had finally arrived a year after the wedding?

“Your Majesty, excuse me.”

The Chief Seneschal standing by the door approached and whispered something to Cayenne, causing disappointment to flash across his face.

“I suppose we must skip dessert today.”

He smacked his lips in regret. Lately, he had been so immersed in the time spent alone with Alicia after dinner that he would not have noticed if stones were served for dessert.

“The Chancellor says there is urgent business to discuss.”

“I see.”

It would be a lie to say she had not felt burdened by Cayenne’s persistent and relentless courting during dessert, yet seeing him leave so suddenly made her feel strangely empty and lonely.

“I will see you out.”

“No. It is cold outside, so do not come out.”

Cayenne stood up. Leaving Alicia with only a nod, he departed. Looking at his empty seat, which seemed exceptionally large, Alicia put down her fork. Her stomach suddenly felt sour, and she no longer wanted to eat anything.