Chapter 8 - I’ll Start With the Concubines (1/2)

On the day of the coronation, Latille stood in front of the mirror, donned in the empress regnant’s cape. Waves of emotion hit her.

I feel delighted, sorrowful, overwhelmed, but apprehensive.

‘Governess, do you remember what happened six years ago?’

Latille asked, stroking the soft, red fabric of her cape.

‘I wanted to become the Empress, the Empress Consort of Carrisen.’

‘Of course, I remember everything.’

Her governess looked at Latille with pride, before shedding tears.

‘Why are you crying on such a joyous occasion, Governess?’

‘Oh, I apologise.’

Latille approached the governess and embraced her.

‘If only the Empress was here to witness your coronation…’

‘Governess, if someone else hears this, they would misunderstand. I can show you instead.’

Latille burst into laughter and comforted her.

‘I know, but she can’t see the coronation even though it’s such a special day.’

‘Well, why don’t we recreate the coronation and show it to her, then?’

‘Once you become the empress regnant, you’ll be busier. Your every move will be scrutinised. Would you really be able to go all the way to the temple?’

‘Well, I’ll still have to go there at least once.’

It would be nice if Mother could come in person.

Latille knew that was highly unlikely. The governess wiped her tears with her sleeve and spoke.

‘You will be happy.’

‘Yes.’

She felt touched.

‘My dear governess used to be so much taller than me. You once used to hold me in your arms. But look, you’re the one in my arms now.’

‘Princess…’

‘Thank you for always being there for me.’

Because Latille would slack off whenever the governess was around, the emperor decided to fire her, so she returned to her estate. Thus, she was able to avoid getting killed by Prince Tratala even though he seized the imperial palace for a year.

‘Oh dear, my eyes are becoming red.’

After letting go of the governess, she rubbed her eyes.

Not today, I shouldn’t cry.

Latille pinched her cheeks with both hands.

Don’t cry. You shouldn’t cry. Look who’s the empress regnant; show them how dignified you are.

She was about to leave after getting ready.

‘Your Majesty, His Highness, Prince Lean is here.’

The Commander of the Guards informed them of Lean’s visit.

‘My brother?’

Latille opened the door herself in joy and greeted her brother.

On the day of the coronation, Lean said he wouldn’t attend since it would damage his reputation as the former crown prince, but it feels nice for him to surprise us.

‘Did you change your mind? You came to see your little sister looking wonderful today, didn’t you?’

However, Lean’s expression didn’t look good.

‘What’s wrong?’

When she asked anxiously, Lean finally spoke as he sat on a red chair.

‘Yes, I thought you’d be disappointed if I didn’t come, so I’m here for a little while to say something. Since this isn’t an official visit, I’ll leave soon.’

‘Are you really not going to attend?’

‘I think it’s better this way. Rather than that, I heard you executed Tratala and imprisoned Anakcha.’

‘Oh.’

‘Did you really have to execute Tratala?’

‘Was that what has been bugging you?’

Latille sat opposite to Lean with a sullen face. He sighed and held her hand.