Chapter 3 - My Ex-Lover’s Excuse (2/2)

‘Forget the concubines, what about divorcing the empress?’ Duke Daga is said to have great power, so if they become the family that has raised the empress, their power will become even greater. Would such a family be willing to sweep everything under the rug just because you deposed her after five years? Would she be weak enough to be easily pushed off the empress’ seat?’

But this time, Haizens answered firmly once more.

‘Enough.’

‘Is it pride or conceit?’

‘Latille, please. You’re the only one in my heart, the only one I’d ever want to be with in the future. I want us both to start a family, you know?’

Stupidly, Latille couldn’t answer him straight away. It was hard to resist the cries of the man you once loved.

How long have I spent praying for this man? This guy has only loved himself.

‘… No.’

She simply could not accept Haizens’ words.

‘Latille.’

Haizens looked at Latille with an unanticipated expression, one with eyes full of shock.

‘If it’s because you don’t trust me, I understand, so I’ll swear an oath at the holy temple. I’m begging you, so please…’

‘Should I be honest? I still love you, too but after five years, you would be another woman’s man. Now that Aini Tour de la Daga has come between the two of us, we’re both strangers now.’

‘I’ll never love her.’

‘Even if you don’t, she’s your bride, and I’m just the Queen of the neighbouring country. If you want to part ways, do it now before you get married. Are you really going to throw away five years of your married life to wait for me? Do you think I’m happy to hear that?’

Latille spoke resolutely and turned away. She knew this was the correct course of action. While she did hate his bride-to-be, she hated her position and not her existence in itself. Although she easily snatched the man she loved, Aini didn’t take him with bad intentions. She didn’t agree to be deposed in five years either. Haizens made agreed to marry her to become emperor; if he hadn’t done that, he would have died.

‘Latille, please!’

Tears streamed down Haizens’ beautiful face as he sank to his knees. Latille, who saw it, broke his heart.

‘Latille, you know it. Even if you refuse to accept me, I can’t love anyone else, please…’

Latille shook her head and left.

♔♔♔

‘My lady, are you alright?’

The commander of the Guards asked cautiously as Latille returned to her quarters and stared blankly out of the window.

‘No…’

She answered helplessly as she rested her forehead on the window frame like a sick chick.

The window frame feels cool, but my mind is in turmoil. I felt better when I was in a state of pure anger; it’s even harder now with all the complex thoughts and feelings. Moreover, Haizens’ words keep repeating over and over in my mind and each time, I have the urge to say ‘why is it that there’s something wrong each time?’ I was aware that Aini didn’t take him away with bad intentions. If the duke hadn’t revolted in the first place, then they wouldn’t have had made such a deal in the first place.

‘No, but not in five years…’

‘Yes?’

‘There’s something like that.’

Latille raised her heard with a groan and took off her cumbersome gloves that she had still been wearing. It turned out that she didn’t change her shoes nor her cloak.

I went out of my mind and wore my travel clothes to meet with Haizens.

‘Shall I summon a maid to help change your clothes?’

‘Yes, please.’

The commander of the Guards Knights left the room while uttering, ‘Wait a minute.’ However, less than a minute later, he immediately came back and called Latille.

‘That was fast. What’s wrong? Is there anyone there?’

As Latille asked, she recalled his face full of embarrassment. It didn’t seem like it was simply a matter of not seeing the maid. What else? Latille’s expression darkened.

‘Why?’

‘Lady Aini is at the door. ‘I want to see the queen’ she says, what shall I do?’

Aini Tour de la Daga, my ex-lover’s bride-to-be? Why does she want to meet me?

Latille frowned.

I’m already upset about Haizens. Do I really have to see her? I don’t really feel like it.

The commander of the Guards who noticed her gestures decided to make a suggestion.

‘If my lady desires it, I will see her in your stead.’

It was a tempting offer, but Latille declined.

‘It’s alright. Since I’m here as the delegation leader, I can’t avoid her, anyway. Tell her to come in.’

He seemed to be a little reluctant, but he obediently replied, ‘Yes’, then went outside. After a while, a young woman with elegant red her came into the room. Latille felt a little annoyed at the fact that her ex-lover’s prospective bride looked much more attractive than she had initially expected. Aini strode towards her gracefully; although she was a little short, her posture was sophisticated and her expression was firm. She gave off the feeling of a well-educated young lady.

‘Fuck it.’

Latille clicked her tongue.

‘My apologies, I haven’t changed yet.’

Latille wore a colourful uniform that resembled the knights’ instead of a dress. They were decorated with gold silk embroidery and a luxurious, golden cloak, so it was a gorgeous outfit. Thanks to Haizens, her clothes were wrinkled and her bottoms were stained with dirt.

I should have told her to come later, thought Latille regretfully, but she couldn’t tell her to go back. She concealed her thoughts, smiled and reached her hand out towards her.

‘Nice to meet you, Lady Aini.’

Translator’s note*: Was stuck on that phrase.

Also… we stan a strong female lead that knows what’s best for her! Go kick ass, baby!