Chapter 3: 3

TL/N: Raccoon is a metaphorical word for deceptive people, people who hide their true nature with masks.

“Oh-ho.”

Upon hearing Svein’s words, the Emperor uttered a slight exclamation.

“What do you think?”

Svein answered with a sigh.

“It must be a lie. She appeared to be fine when she entered the palace. Besides, Celeste didn’t or couldn’t make it clear in what way she is sick.”

The Emperor slid through the book he was reading with his chin on his hands.

“The Princess of Guinevere is up to something cute.”

“After all, it is a known fact that none of the Imperial concubines have ever slept in the same bed as His Majesty the Emperor.”

Svein licked his lips.

He had emphasized the importance of imperial succession, but that wasn’t getting the Emperor to take it any more seriously.

He had just laughed softly as if they were having fun.

Just like now.

Svein pounded his chest and clenched his teeth.

“Send a doctor to the Princess and give her the title of Empress.”

“Yes, right away.”

“And ask if we can have breakfast together tomorrow.”

“Excuse me!?”

Svein’s eyes widened at the words of the Emperor, who had never been the first to ask to sit for a meal with his concubines.

Flip-

The Emperor’s hand casually turned the pages. His sharp blue eyes scanned the bookshelf.

“It will be my mother’s birthday soon, and yet I haven’t seen her face. Thanks to her status, she’ll be the one sitting closest to me.”

It was a strange thing for the Emperor to say.

Svein could bet all his fortune that the Emperor might not even know the hair color of the Empress who currently lived in the Imperial Palace.

“Excellent thinking.”

Svein nodded as if it were reasonable. The Emperor smirked.

‘What will our cute Princess think?’

All of the concubines were destined to become strangers to him before long. As a result, he never considered them wives, nor did he allow them even to fulfill their basic duties as concubines.

Nevertheless, none of them had taken the same steps as Hilaria Guinevere.

Even Princess Silotte, who had held the title of Empress the longest, and Lady Olivia, who was more interested in wealth than anything else, were immature at first.

However, as soon as Hilaria had entered the palace, she had brought Celeste to her side. She had made Celeste, trained thoroughly as a maid in the Imperial Palace, obey her. Just like that, in a few hours.

He had heard that the women in Guinevere were fascinating.

Emperor Ebenezer’s blue eyes twinkled charmingly.

He wondered how Guinevere raised her daughter and thought about what Hilaria might be planning.

‘This is fun.’

Hilaria had unintentionally caught the attention of the Emperor, who was now observing closely.

***

“…breakfast? He wants to have breakfast with me?”

The Emperor had asked Hilaria to meet for breakfast.

‘But why? I have to free myself from this tiring husband.’

She didn’t want to get an upset stomach while eating breakfast. After all, Hilaria just wanted to have enough power to make a compelling offer to the Emperor.

‘But why breakfast?’

“It must be a display of the Emperor’s sincerity towards my Lady,” said Celeste while looking into her eyes; she subtly looked delighted.

Hilaria was special.

Although she had refused to spend her night with the Emperor, an invitation to breakfast had been sent rather than punishment. It was news that the other concubines, who had never even had the chance to share a bed with the Emperor, would find it shocking and enviable.

But her lady sighed as if it didn’t matter.

“The chef in the East Wing of Vladislav is amazing, Miss. I’m sure you’ll enjoy your breakfast,” said Celeste.

“…It’s good that it tastes good I suppose.”

That seemed to be the uncomfortable price of breakfast. Hilaria licked her lips in disapproval.

“I’m sure other Empresses will envy you.”

Hilaria giggled.

“Of course, they will, Celeste.”

“Yes?”

Celeste’s eyes widened.

“I am the Princess of Guinevere. Are they the same as me? They have no status, no wealth, and no ability compared to me. I’m so far ahead of them.”

Celeste was at a loss for words. The condescending Hilaria was right; she couldn’t refute it. Hilaria spoke on, with more to say.

“So don’t attribute their envy to His Majesty the Emperor. It’s all thanks to me,” said Hilaria as she ruffled through her red hair.

The sunset behind her could not have better matched the atmosphere.

The Red Queen of Guinevere.

It reminded her of the tale of the first Queen, who founded the Duchy of Guinevere. Hundreds of years later, the Queen had been remembered and immortalized for her beautiful appearance and power.

‘She looks like a painting.’ thought Celeste, as her other thoughts faded away.

“…The doctor will be here soon.”

“The doctor will diagnose motion sickness for the sickly concubine. Isn’t that right, Celeste?”

It was only then that Celeste realized that Hilaria was naturally speaking informally to her. The arrogance in her tone suited her matching personality perfectly.

Celeste swallowed her saliva and nodded. Fortunately, the doctors in the Imperial Palace were very understanding.

“And tomorrow, there will be guests.”

“What kind of guests are you talking about?”

“The Lady of Marquis of Genesis.”

Hilaria smiled brightly.

Celeste was terrified.

‘How do you know the Lady of Marquis of Genesis…!’

She had an excellent reputation in society, and her wealth and power were second to none.

Some said that since the Genesis family insisted on neutrality, the future direction of the Empire would be determined by which side they favoured.

But she couldn’t believe that Hilaria, who had just come up from Guinevere, was acquainted with the Lady of Marquis of Genesis! A union of Guinevere and Genesis…

She got chills down her spine.

She wondered just how far Hilaria might go.

In front of Celeste, who was gradually fearing her more by the moment, Hilaria slowly tilted her teacup.

‘I haven’t done anything yet.’

‘This is the beginning.’

‘This Imperial Palace, no.… I’ll conquer the capital.’

From the next day onwards, Hilaria held the title of Empress and from then on was no longer called Princess but Madam.

***

Ebenezer Winfred.

The name of the man who stood at the top of the Winfred Imperial Family.

He ascended to the throne at the age of 15, overcame the Empress Dowager’s regency, and eventually seized power. Ebenezer’s determination, drive, and ability to take action were valued above even the previous Emperor’s.

Ebenezer, who had restrained the Empress Dowager in order to bring in concubines, was called a mean policymaker by wealthy noblemen, but political scientists of the time knew better, referring to him as a Lion who waited with bated breath.

Ebenezer was also famous for his looks.

He had often been compared to a rose thanks to his beautiful appearance, comparable to a flower, resembling his biological mother. His blue eyes and mysterious blue-black hair made his beauty stand out no matter whose company he was in. He had always made sure to use this beauty to his advantage; now was no different.

Ebenezer laughed like a flower blooming.

“Aren’t you eating?”

Hilaria, who was trembling, raised her head.

‘Ugh. This is unfair!’

It started as soon as she woke up, and unlike Ebenezer, who already had a fresh face, she had barely opened her swollen eyes before attending this breakfast.

‘Why do you do this in the morning.…’

‘Why does he look so pretty? My pride can’t handle seeing this happen.’

‘And I’m a little upset by the thought of losing face in our first meeting.’

Hilaria pursed her lips and shoved the salad into her mouth.

“I’ll eat.”

Ebenezer laughed softly. ‘She’s more than I thought….’

‘Cute.’

Contrary to what Svein had told him, saying that she was a witch and had taken control of Celeste immediately, she looked like a child as she chewed the salad with her hair loose and her cheeks puffy.

Ebenezer shrugged and said.

“It’s nice to see you’re eating well. I heard you were not feeling well yesterday. Are you feeling better today?”

“I had a good sleep, and now I’m all right.”

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“It’s a relief. It seemed it would be almost impossible to see the precious Princess of Guinevere, who traveled from so far away. This food is also very delicious. Please eat more…”

Hilaria and Ebenezer met eyes.

A silence passed so briefly that only they could have recognized it. Ebenezer’s lips trembled slightly.

Hilaria’s blazing blue eyes had the power to enchant with just a look.

‘She must be a witch!’

Svein’s thought echoed in his ears.

“Should I really eat a lot?”

Ebenezer, who was immediately anxious to hear Hilaria’s question, smiled.

Hilaria laughed accordingly.

Somehow, the smiling Ebenezer emitted a coldness.

She couldn’t stop the goosebumps on her neck from tingling when she looked at him.

But it wasn’t to the extent that Hilaria was frightened.

‘You are wasting your looks.’

Hilaria snorted and laughed to herself at Ebenezer, who was finishing the meal with a small cup of espresso.

“I wish you good health. Make sure you eat well and have a good night’s sleep. It’s even better if you exercise.”

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind,” replied Hilaria reluctantly.

Ebenezer put down the coffee cup.

“Among the concubines who entered the Imperial Palace, those who did not spend the night with the Emperor were ignored. If you feel better today, how about spending the night together?” said Ebenezer.

Ebenezer’s blue eyes hardened like steel.

Ebenezer had put Hilaria to the test with a single request.

It was to test whether she, like the other concubines, wished for the Emperor’s halo or whether she had other intentions.

Hilaria put down what she was eating and wiped her mouth.

She leaned back and looked at Ebenezer defiantly.

“Thank you for the offer, but I will decline it, Your Majesty.”

“Hm?”

“I hate being the same as everyone else. I like being special.”

Hilaria raised her lips.

“Special? How can I make the Empress feel a little more special?”

“I promise you one thing, Your Majesty.”

“What?”

“Before any of that, I will catch the old raccoon living in this palace.”

Ebenezer’s blue eyes froze.

“…That’s a dangerous thing to say.”

“Will you believe me if I told you I hold this Imperial Palace in my hands?”

Ebenezer straightened his lips. Then he asked with a soft smile.

“Then what can I do for you?”

His eyes were as cool as fresh snow.

‘All my butterflies are going to freeze.’

‘Spirits cannot be harmed by anything other than another spirit of the same type.’

‘But, even though the Emperor has no special powers, I still feel something isn’t right.’

“You could grant me one wish in the future.” answered Hilaria.

Ebenezer leaned back.

He could fully guess what Hilaria wanted.

He leaned lightly on the chair and stared at Hilaria for a moment.

“Are you talking about wishes now?”

“Yes. I’m sure you could listen to it; it’s only a small one.”

“A small wish? How small can a wish be? I can give you anything now. After all, an Emperor can do a great many things. For example, I could declare you the first Empress right now.”

Hilaria’s eyes trembled.

Did the Emperor understand what he had just said? Was he trying to get Guinevere to butt heads with Empress Dowager? Whether intentionally or not, he had put her life in the palm of his hands as casually as breathing.

After all, it was apparent that Empress Dowager would do anything to hold her position.

“Your Majesty, such a wish wouldn’t be trivial. It wouldn’t be my place to accept; I’m too jealous and narrow-minded. Besides, it’s too extravagant a move. It would surely be a disaster for the Empire.”

Ebenezer reached out to Hilaria.

He gently lifted a tuft of her hair that had fallen and placed it behind her ears.

“You don’t have to worry about all that. Why shouldn’t you be my pretty flower?”

Living as the Empress would be just for show.

‘Oh, aren’t you crazy?’

The Emperor was far more dangerous than Hilaria had expected.

Hilaria understood the threat behind Ebenezer’s words.

He made it clear that if Hilaria sought the position of the Empress for greedy or selfish reasons, he’d make sure that she would be kept in the shadow of the Imperial Family.

“That… I’d hate that.”

Hilaria took a deep breath. The large hand that brushed her cheek felt threatening yet warm and comforting, the contrast couldn’t have been more apparent.

Her nose felt itchy. Her palms were sweaty.

His eyes felt familiar, almost a mirror of hers, but their glow was more subtle than Hilaria’s, and they seemed as though they could turn to water at any moment.

She couldn’t take her eyes away from him as if possessed by something.

‘You’re so… handsome…’

Fortunately, before the Emperor utterly possessed Hilaria, he removed his hand from her cheek. It dispersed the tension between the two like the wind would dust.

“Of course, the Empress is smart; you wouldn’t want that.”

“Yes, of course, I am.”

Hilaria moistened her dry lips and answered quickly.

Ebenezer smiled and nodded.

“All right. I’ll trust the Empress and wait.”

“Please keep that in mind.”

Hilaria’s eyes shone as she regained her composure.

“Every word of the Emperor carries weight.”

“Then I’ll trust you, Your Majesty. It’s a tiny wish, so I’m sure you will grant it.”

Hilaria laughed softly.

“And Your Majesty,”

“Yes?.”

“Should I go greet the Empress Dowager?”

That was a very deliberate question.

The Emperor would be used as a shield against any problems that might arise from Hilaria not offering what would likely be a very uncomfortable greeting to Empress Dowager.

Ebenezer clasped the finger that had touched Hilaria’s cheek in his palm.

The bare fingertip felt hot.

‘Am I that frustrated?’

Her cheeks were soft and warm. In all honesty, he had never been close to a woman since becoming Emperor. Why should he bring a woman with a knife in when enemies were already on all sides?

Ebenezer smirked.

‘She is daring and cute.’

Even though he understood her intent completely, Ebenezer spoke softly.

“Don’t go. I won’t allow it.”

Hilaria, who acted so boldly, was gradually attracting his interest.

Even Princess Silotte, known for her toughness in the capital, was not as bold as she was. He was very much looking forward to witnessing the future of this country girl, who had only so recently left her home.

“I understand; thank you, Your Majesty.”

Hilaria, who had gotten everything she wanted in return for participating in this breakfast, smiled brightly. At the same time, she blinked, and a butterfly, minute in size, fluttered and flew towards Ebenezer.

Hilaria narrowed her eyes.

The butterfly sent as a demonstration gradually came closer to Ebenezer’s hair.

Poof-

The butterfly had disappeared without a trace before it even reached him!

Hilaria internally swallowed her smile.

‘There’s something there.’

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Her smile remained painted on her face, hiding her inner feelings with a look of innocence and beauty.

Ebenezer glanced towards where the butterfly had flown, revealing nothing of what he knew, licking his lips.

‘Really, everything you choose to do is cute.’

Even though this was their first meeting, they had been constantly on each other’s minds from the beginning.

Translator note: This story is using two terms of “Empress”. First, the story use the term 황후 [hwanghu]: (Empress; the first Empress, as in the Emperor’s wife), and 황비 [hwangbi]: (Empress; as in the second, third, fourth, etc. They ranked below 황후; hwanghu). Other the concubines have the title 황비; hwangbi. In conclusion, the hwanghu position right now is still vacant.

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