“Even so, the Duke’s at the center of the aristocracy, the Duke attracts the attention of everyone including those who don’t approve,” I stated calmly.
The Empress’s forehead wrinkled but she couldn’t refute me.
“If we do something wrong, we need to be given some space.”
“Space?”
“Yes, space to think and redo things. I think it’s better if her Majesty does not favor me too much and give me numerous privileges.”
“It doesn’t matter at all. You’re still ten years old. To be thinking that way…
“I’m sorry but I am a part of this.”
With a bitter smile, I continued.
“Your Majesty, you’ve chosen me as your candidate for this festival, turning down plenty of ladies from good families.”
“That’s, I mean…”
“It’s okay. It’s her Majesty’s right to choose a candidate of her choice. “
The Empress looked at me with sunken eyes.
“But no more.”
“I don’t want her Majesty to be misunderstood by others, all because of me.”
I added my next words resolutely.
“I want to be of help to her Majesty, not be a burden.”
I thought about it over and over again. This is the best I can do.
Even before, the ladies from the tea party recognized me as ‘The Empress’s maidservant’.
In a situation like that, what would happen if the Duke of Rochester adopted me?
People would be proven right in their judgment of me and the Empress.
If I was adopted, the Duke would also have to shoulder the same burden.
“And…”
I took a deep breath, finishing on a high note.
“I can’t leave the crown prince alone.”
There was silence.
The Empress ruminated on what I had to say, eventually giving me a quiet nod.
“I see. The crown prince is precious to you…”
A heavy voice rang out.
“Then I’ll respect your wishes, Lize.”
“Thank you.”
“Just promise me.”
The Empress placed her hand on my cheek, gently caressing it.”
“I won’t be greedy, hogging you all to myself and I won’t ask to be the most precious person in your life.”
“…your Majesty, the Empress.”
“But whenever you’re going through a rough time or having problems, lean on me and we’ll discuss it.”
The Empress’s gaze was as endearing as ever.
“Just as you want to be my strength, I want to be your strength as well.”