Chapter 53 (2/2)

What should I do?

I had to think carefully. Should I ignore his request, or should I go?

Unfortunately, I wasn’t very brave. No matter what, he still had an upper hand in this relationship.

To be honest, I wanted to avoid being alone with him. I couldn’t accept his feeling. I felt uncomfortable and pressured when I was with him.

Again, I considered rejecting this request. I could say it wouldn’t look proper for a woman to enter the emperor’s office. However, I knew this wouldn’t deter him.

No matter what reason I gave in not going, it wouldn’t matter. I would just look like a wife who didn’t obey the emperor’s order.

“…”

When the silence lengthened, everyone’s gazes became more concerned. When Samantha opened her mouth to say something, I nodded and made my decision.

If I rejected it, I knew Lucretius would get back at me somehow. I had to see him every night and I didn’t even want to think about what he would do.

He was a very small-minded petty man.

The messenger looked relieved at my answer. He nodded emphatically.

I wondered what would have happened to the messenger if I said no.

He said happily, “Thank you, my lady. I will let his highness know right away.”

Samantha and other maids looked relieved too. Except for one.

I saw Lisbeth looking sad and disappointed. Then suddenly, she looked hopeful.

Wherever I went, all of my maids followed me. Lisbeth must have been happy she will get to see him.

I hated that, but I didn’t know why.

“…”

When I became quiet, Samantha asked me, “Your highness?”

I smiled blankly and stood up.

“Let’s go.”

When I started to walk towards the door, Samantha said to me quickly, “Your highness! Are you going there right now like that?”

“Yes, why?”

I became confused. Of course, I would go like this. What did she mean?

Samantha approached me and whispered, “There will be a lot of people in his highness’ quarters.”

I understood quickly what she meant.

“Thank you for your advice.”

“Not at all.”

Samantha slapped her hands and ordered, “Now, let’s get ready!”

I quickly regretted listening to Samantha as the servants started to bring in bags of outfits and pieces of jewelry.

***

Samantha and Agnes wanted me to get a bath first and a facial, but I didn’t want to go that far. As to make up for it, they dolled me up extravagantly.

I changed my entire outfit and they redid my hair.

Originally, I had a simple braid, but this time, my hair was decorated with beautiful flowers.

Agnes looked proud as she complimented me, “Your highness’s hair is such a gorgeous jet black that it looks like a dark night sky with stars of flowers.”

Elza and Luis added their own compliments, which made me… embarrassed. I tried to change the subject.

“By the way, where is Lisbeth?”

Now that I think about it, I hadn’t seen Lisbeth in a while.

Elsa and Luis complained as they tightened my corset.

“She dropped another cup and ruined one of your dresses, so we asked her to wait outside.”

“But when I went to check, she wasn’t where she was supposed to be.”

I knew what they wanted. It would be best if Lisbeth wasn’t with us so that she wouldn’t ruin anything else.

I felt the same way. Her presence always annoyed me.

I couldn’t get rid of her, however. She was here for a reason, and so far, my plan hadn’t worked as far as I could tell. I didn’t think the dowager empress had approached her, but no matter what, I had to keep her with me.

I said to them, “Please don’t be too harsh. I’m sure she doesn’t mean to be rude. Please be nice to her.”

Luis complained weakly, “Your highness is too generous.”

Elza agreed with her older sister.

“…”

I felt guilty as I knew this was the opposite of the truth. I was actually keeping her here to use her.

Of course, I couldn’t tell them the truth.